Articles tagged with Whales
Researchers propose that timing hypothesis explains the mystery of missing blue whale calves, where births occur in fall and winter, and calves are weaned before returning to feeding areas. This explanation offers alternative insight into high pregnancy rates vs. low sightings of mother-calf pairs.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed an AI tool that combines whale monitoring and environmental data to predict endangered whale habitat. The tool guides ships along the Atlantic coast to avoid critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, preventing deadly accidents and informing conservation strategies.
Researchers uncover statistically significant structures in humpback whale song, mirroring patterns found in all human languages. This breakthrough highlights a deep commonality between humans and humpback whales, showcasing the role of learning and transmission in complex communication systems.
Baleen whale species that flee from killer whales produce calls at deep frequencies undetectable to their predators, while others sing higher-frequency songs that are easily heard. This 'flight' vs 'fight' difference influences all aspects of baleen whale behavior, from migration patterns and communication to mating and feeding habits.
Research by University of Washington oceanographers found that whale excrement contains significant amounts of iron, a vital element for phytoplankton growth. The study suggests that the decimation of baleen whale populations may have had larger biogeochemical implications for the Southern Ocean ecosystem.
Killer whales in Australia have been confirmed to hunt and consume the livers of white sharks, providing compelling evidence of selective predation. This finding suggests that such events may be more widespread than previously believed, with implications for maintaining ecosystem balance.
Baleen whales face increased risk of boat injuries in densely inhabited regions due to vessel activity. The study analyzed changing whale distributions and reported incidents relative to vessel presence in the Northwest Atlantic.
Researchers have witnessed pre-mating rituals in whale sharks for the first time, shedding light on the species' reproduction habits. The observations suggest that following and biting behaviors by males towards females are common in whale sharks, consistent with other cartilaginous fish species.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that right whales can survive for over 130 years, with some individuals possibly reaching 150 years. This discovery highlights the impact of human activities on whale lifespans, particularly entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes.
Researchers used drone imagery to measure calf growth and maternal body condition in Hawaiʻi and Alaska, finding larger females produced larger calves. Humpback whales lose significant weight during lactation, with mothers losing nearly 214 pounds per day.
Humpback whales' reproductive success is linked to maternal characteristics and energy balance. Researchers found fetal growth rates increased with maternal length and energy demands peaked in the final third of pregnancy, coinciding with fasting and migration. This study highlights a vulnerable period for pregnant humpback whales and ...
Researchers observed coordinated attacks by killer whales on whale sharks in the Gulf of California, suggesting specialized hunting techniques. The pod targeted the whale shark's ventral side, exploiting its vulnerability, and extracted nutrient-rich organs from the liver.
The study reveals that blue whales primarily occur in summer and autumn, while fin whales can be heard throughout the year. The data also confirms the sporadic occurrence of blue whales during winter months, which may be related to climate change.
A study suggests that increased marine traffic and noise from wind farm surveys may be contributing to whale deaths. Whales died off the coast of New Jersey near proposed wind farms, leading researchers to investigate the impact of survey work on cetacean populations.
A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.
A team of researchers analyzed historical marking data from the Discovery Marking Program to investigate Antarctic blue whale population structure. They found frequent mixing among ocean basins, indicating a single circumpolar population. This study provides valuable insights into the conservation of this endangered species.
A new reinforcement learning framework, AVATARS, uses diverse sensor streams to track whales and predict their surface locations. The framework aims to minimize missed encounters and improve data collection for Project CETI.
The Whales & Arctic Vessels Project will research how often and where whales encounter vessels in the high Arctic, addressing a largely unexplored area of marine life. The collaboration aims to gather critical data to inform management strategies and promote global awareness for Arctic whale conservation.
Researchers explored how future changes in the North Water Polynya could impact marine communities. Changes in plankton and fish populations were found to have significant effects on the entire ecosystem. Polar bear numbers are projected to halve due to declining phytoplankton and copepods.
A new study questions current approaches to predicting vessel strikes on whales, revealing notable inconsistencies across different models. The researchers highlight the need for accurate modeling to mitigate against modern-day risks threatening whale survival.
A new study by Duke University finds that deep-diving whales confuse plastic debris with prey items, as its acoustic signature mimics squid. Researchers tested various types of plastic trash and found strong similarities in their acoustic signals compared to whale prey, highlighting the need for more sustainable materials.
A new study reveals a significant correlation between the decline of jumbo squid and the disappearance of sperm whales from the region. The research suggests that sperm whales play a crucial role in controlling energy flow within marine ecosystems, highlighting their importance as indicators of oceanic health.
Researchers used drone footage to study gray whales' foraging behaviors, finding that younger whales use forward swimming while older whales headstand. The study also revealed that bubble blasts help regulate buoyancy while feeding in shallow water.
Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.
Underwater noise pollution from human activities significantly impacts the ability of orcas to hunt successfully in the Salish Sea. The study found that increased ambient noise levels, particularly around vessel propellers, interfere with echolocation behavior and hunting efforts. This hindrance affects females more than males, potenti...
Researchers found that cetaceans' backbones are highly regionalized, with a shift in vertebral column driving locomotion in aquatic environments. The team developed a computational software, MorphoRegions, to analyze the backbone of each specimen individually.
A new study on baleen whales explores genetic adaptations for survival and size, shedding light on the risks and opportunities for their survival. Genes linked to immunity, ageing, movement, and reproduction were highlighted, providing insights into the evolution of these diverse whale species over 50 million years.
Brooke Flammang's Fluid Loco Lab at NJIT will develop non-invasive tag attachment technology for near real-time tracking of North Atlantic right whales. The project aims to improve conservation and regulation policy decisions with accurate predictions on whale distribution and habitat use.
Researchers discovered that solitary humpback whales in SE Alaska craft complex bubble nets to catch krill, allowing them to capture up to seven times more prey without extra energy. This behavior sheds light on how migratory humpback whales consume enough calories to traverse the Pacific Ocean.
A team analyzed 45 zooarchaeological remains and compared findings with contemporary data to assess the effect of sustained subsistence harvests on beluga genetic diversity, population structuring, and foraging ecology. The study found no significant changes in genetic diversity or population structuring over time.
Researchers detected a 24-hour cycle of diving during the spring, with whales swimming deepest in the afternoon to track prey. Two bowhead whales were found to dive in synchrony over a week at a time, even when separated by up to 100 km.
A new study has found that tracking and disposing of whale remains offshore can have significant ecological benefits, including retaining nutrients within the marine ecosystem. The research used a 14m humpback whale as a test subject and successfully predicted its drift trajectory, allowing for more effective management of whale remains.
Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.
Researchers found a universal equation that approximates the frequency of wingbeats and fin strokes across different animal groups. The equation shows a proportional relationship between body mass, wing area, and wingbeat frequency, revealing a relatively constant pattern across diverse species.
The study reveals that Antarctic minke whales switch companions frequently, forming short-term associations and engaging in both foraging and non-foraging activities. Larger individuals tend to socialize more, and this interaction correlates with reduced feeding efforts.
Harbor porpoises spend up to 60% of their day hunting small fish to stay warm in cold waters. New research shows that this strategy makes them more vulnerable to noise from motor boats and disturbances from humans.
A new study predicts that future climate change will disrupt humpback whales' krill-heavy diet, as their primary prey item Antarctic krill becomes less abundant. The research found that all tested whale populations relied on Antarctic krill, which is essential for their migratory lifestyle.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that a surge in purple sea urchins is devastating kelp forests, reducing zooplankton populations and impacting the primary prey of gray whales. This cascading effect affects the top predator, causing them to spend less time foraging in the affected area.
A new method of determining sperm whale communication reveals that groups living in close proximity develop similar vocal styles, indicating social learning between neighbouring clans. The study provides evidence for the existence of social learning in sperm whales.
A young sperm whale's long-range migration across the Mediterranean poses significant threats to its survival due to busy straits and pollution. The study demonstrates the need for targeted protection at key locations to safeguard marine life in the region.
Researchers have identified heavily used shipping lanes that pass through crucial whale shark feeding grounds, posing a threat to this endangered species. Targeted measures, such as reducing ship speed, could help minimize the impact on the shipping industry while protecting whale sharks.
A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.
Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.
Researchers found that human-made noise reduces whales' ability to hear acoustic communication, generates an avoidance response, and lowers detection of environmental cues. This can lead to increased journey time or failure to arrive at destinations.
New research at Hokkaido University reveals that acoustic fat bodies in toothed whales were once jaw muscles and bone marrow. The findings suggest an evolutionary tradeoff between auditory and feeding ecology, leading to the loss of chewing muscles and adaptation to echolocation.
Two well-known killer whale ecotypes in the North Pacific Ocean have been identified as separate species through genetic and behavioral evidence. The resident and Bigg's killer whales have distinct physical characteristics, diets, and cultural habits, justifying their recognition as distinct species.
Scientists from Project CETI have developed suction cups inspired by clingfish to attach to sperm whales without causing harm. The new design has shown promise in withstanding the forces of a swimming whale and will be tested on sperm whales in Dominica.
Researchers simultaneously tagged many humpback whales from the same pod to analyze their vocalization and compare individual calls. This study provides new information about whale behavior and communication, crucial for informing future conservation efforts.
A recent study found humpback whale entanglements in BC fish farms are extremely rare, with only eight instances over 13 years. Young whales' curiosity may be a contributing factor, according to researchers.
A major new study has taken a stocktake of blue whale populations worldwide, identifying significant genetic differences among eastern Pacific, Antarctic subspecies, and pygmy subspecies. The research also found no evidence of inbreeding, but highlights ongoing human threats such as climate change, pollution, and shipping.
Researchers studied a subpopulation of transient killer whales that prey on marine mammals in the open ocean. They found two distinct foraging behaviors: independent diving and coordinated groups hunting along submarine canyons.
A new study at Georgia Aquarium reveals belugas have big caloric needs to maintain their cold-water lifestyle, limiting their ability to escape human disturbances. The data will inform management decisions for Cook Inlet belugas and help create predictive energy models to evaluate the impact of human activities.
Female whales of certain species experience menopause, living up to 40 years longer than their peers by prioritizing family care over breeding. This unique trait allows them to support their offspring and grandchildren without overlap with their daughters' reproductive cycles.
A new study published in Proceedings B of the Royal Society found that every injury from rope entanglements impacts North Atlantic right whale population recovery. Modelling data shows female whales who get tangled in fishing gear are less likely to calve, potentially leading to extinction.
Researchers observed an individual orca, nicknamed Starboard, killing a 2.5-meter juvenile great white shark within two minutes. The study challenges conventional cooperative hunting behaviors among killer whales, providing new insights into their predatory dynamics and potential impact on marine ecosystems.
A new analysis of Perucetus colossus, a 30 million year-old fossil whale, estimates its weight to be between 60-70 tons, significantly less than the original estimate of 180 metric tons. This revised size allows the whale to maintain neutral buoyancy in water and come to the surface to breathe.
Scientists studied thousands of public photos to track humpback whale populations, finding they're responding to food availability changes affected by climate change. The population declined by 7,000 individuals from 2012 to 2021 due to a massive marine heatwave and reduced prey.
Baleen whales developed novel larynx structures to produce low-frequency vocalizations, but these adaptations limit their communication range. Human-made noise masks their voices, reducing their ability to communicate over vast distances.
Researchers analyzed tissue and fecal samples from 90 stranded marine mammals to study the distribution of toxic elements. The study found that Risso's dolphins and short-finned pilot whales had high concentrations of mercury, cadmium, and lead, while dwarf sperm whales had low levels.