Articles tagged with Whales
New research projects a southerly shift of suitable habitat for blue and sperm whales in New Zealand waters due to climate change. The study finds a 61% loss of suitable habitat for sperm whales, mostly in northern waters, with potential socioeconomic impacts on the local economy.
Researchers found that 58.4% of humpback whales in the New York Bight Apex stayed more than one day and returned within or between years. The average length of stay was 37.6 days.
Scientists analyzed nearly two decades of underwater recordings to find that the distinctive songs of Chagos pygmy blue whales have increased in frequency over time. This suggests that stocks of the sub-species may be on the rebound after being hunted to near-extinction in the 20th century.
Scientists found that narwhals experience a large increase in the energetic cost of diving while their heart rate is paradoxically reduced, leading to a significant physiological challenge. The study reveals that prolonged exposure to seismic noise disrupts the normal physiological response of narwhals.
Fin whales have been spotted feeding in large numbers near Elephant Island, Antarctica, marking the first time since hunting was restricted in 1976. The recovery of fin whale populations could support marine ecosystem nutrient recycling and benefit other species.
In a breakthrough observation, scientists documented large groups of southern fin whales feeding together in the Antarctic for the first time since the whaling ban. The discovery suggests that fin whale populations are rebounding, with numbers reaching up to 150 individuals.
Researchers successfully used Distributed Acoustic Sensing to passively listen to whales, detecting over 830 vocalizations and locating their positions with unprecedented spatial resolution. The technique allows for real-time monitoring of whale behavior, as well as detection of other ocean sounds like storms and earthquakes.
Researchers found that New Caledonian humpback whales can learn and accurately sing songs from Australian counterparts with remarkable accuracy. This cultural transmission is rare in non-human species and provides insight into the evolution of cultural communication in animals and humans.
Great White Sharks have been avoiding a South African coastal region due to the presence of Orcas. Long-term sightings and tagging data show that Great Whites flee areas with high Orca activity, adopting a 'flight' strategy reminiscent of wild dogs in response to increased lion presence.
A new UBC study finds that southern resident killer whales have been in an energy deficit for six of the last 40 years, with three recent years (2018-2020) being particularly dire. The researchers attribute this decline to lower Chinook salmon abundance and size, which are the primary food source for these whales.
Southern right whale mothers choose shallow nursery sites in 30-foot-deep waters to minimize predator detection, allowing them to communicate securely with their calves. This habitat selection behavior is a new form of acoustic crypsis, reducing the risk of being overheard by predators.
A new study found that most severely injured North Atlantic right whales die within three years, with severe injuries increasing their mortality rate. The study also revealed a worrisome trend in females, including lower birth rates and longer intervals between calving.
A new study found climate change is altering how large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, use habitats in the warming Gulf of Maine. The research team analyzed over 20 years of data and found that peak use of Cape Cod Bay had shifted almost three weeks later for right whales and humpback whales.
A new study reveals that smaller females of North Atlantic right whales have fewer offspring per reproductive year, likely contributing to the species' low birth rates. This decline in body size may be a result of human-caused stressors such as entanglements and vessel strikes, which could limit population growth if not addressed.
Researchers have found that Sowerby's beaked whales are faster, more agile hunters than expected, with shorter dives and higher frequency clicks. This unique strategy may help them avoid competition among other beaked whale species.
A recent study led by the University of Southampton reveals that whale sharks are facing a significant threat from industrialised shipping. The research, which tracked over 350 whale sharks across the globe, found that over 90% of their movements overlapped with global fleets of cargo ships.
Fossil finds from the High Alps reveal giant ichthyosaurs that lived around 205 million years ago, measuring up to 20 meters in length. The discovery sheds new light on these prehistoric creatures and their paleobiological implications.
Researchers recorded 600 non-song calls around the Vema Seamount, including a previously unknown 'gunshot' sound. The study highlights the importance of protecting high-sea habitats and creating a network of Marine Protected Areas to ensure seamounts like Vema are protected.
Researchers developed global forecasts that can provide up to a year's notice of marine heatwaves, which can dramatically affect ocean ecosystems. The forecasts help fishing fleets, ocean managers, and coastal communities anticipate the effects of marine heatwaves, reducing ecological and economic impacts.
Researchers highlight the need for a holistic approach to managing whale mortality in California's waters. The study identifies five main causes of death, but also emphasizes the importance of addressing nutritional stress, disease and predation to provide a comprehensive conservation strategy.
Researchers have discovered a chemical record of humpback whales' dietary habits stored in their baleen, which can help understand how these large aquatic mammals may react to future climate events. The study found that changes in the whales' feeding patterns correspond with changing climate cycles.
A Peruvian trial of underwater sound devices called pingers reduced bycatch of dolphins by 83%, but failed to deter humpback whales. The study found that lower-frequency pingers may be needed to address whale interactions.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that ancient dolphins, including the false killer whale and orca, ate fish instead of other marine mammals. The findings suggest that these species evolved similar cranial anatomy and feeding behaviors within the last five million years.
A team of scientists used eDNA analysis to detect whales and dolphins in New York waters, providing valuable information for conservation efforts. The technique, which analyzes DNA left behind by wildlife, complements existing methods like visual observations and acoustic monitoring.
Scientists use AI to analyze images of wildlife for crucial data, helping track endangered species and combat extinction. A new field called imageomics extracts biological information from images, providing insights into animal movements, population trends, and evolutionary adaptations.
Scientists are creating a global audio collection of aquatic life to monitor changing marine life and identify new species. The GLUBS platform uses ocean hydrophones, AI, and citizen science to analyze soundscapes and track biodiversity on reefs and other ocean habitats.
Killer whales have been observed hunting and killing blue whales, with three documented events in Australian waters. The attacks were coordinated and resulted in the whale's flesh being stripped off, highlighting the apex predator's influence on marine environments.
Dr. John Pierce Wise leads a team to investigate chromosome instability in lungs caused by metal exposure, with hopes of preventing and reversing lung cancer in people. The research aims to understand why humans are more susceptible to metals-induced lung cancer than whales.
Researchers found that the oral plug, a structure in fin whales, blocks the pharynx and prevents water from entering during lunge feeding. This allows the whale to swallow prey while keeping the respiratory tract protected.
Researchers discovered that lunge-feeding whales have an 'oral plug' in their mouths, which seals off the upper airways during feeding. This mechanism prevents water from entering their lungs and allows them to gulp down large amounts of krill without drowning.
A new study published in Mammalian Biology analyzed the life history data of 13 North Atlantic right whales using genetic samples and photo identification. The researchers found that four calves previously thought to be dead survived, revealing a significant variation in calf separation time from mothers and physical development.
A newly discovered species of giant ichthyosaur, the earliest known, has been found in Nevada, shedding new light on the rapid growth of marine reptiles. The discovery, dated to 246 million years ago, is significant as it provides insights into the evolution of whales and dolphins.
Researchers analyzed the largest cross-species database to assess species-specific cancer mortality rates and found conclusive proof that cancer risk is largely independent of body mass and life expectancy. The study highlights potent mechanisms of cancer resistance in larger species, contradicting intuitive expectations.
A recent study reveals that narwhals are highly affected by noise pollution from ships and seismic airgun pulses, triggering stress and altering their behavior. Researchers hope that better management of noise pollution will protect these unique Arctic animals.
Scientists have developed a novel way to analyze nitrogen isotopes in whale baleen to reconstruct the animal's diet, trophic level, and migration pattern. The method reveals annual migration patterns between Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, providing insights into threatened population migration pathways.
Researchers identified 187 North Atlantic right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a 40% segment of the catalogued population, with most returning every year for up to 5 months. The study highlights the importance of the Gulf as a habitat and provides valuable information for developing protection measures.
A study by Brynn Kimber and team reveals killer whales spending more time in the Arctic due to reduced sea ice, posing new threats to prey species. The warmer climate is altering the predators' hunting patterns, leading to increased risks for endangered bowhead whales.
New research explores how climate extremes affect the West Coast Dungeness crab fishery and its impact on whale conservation. The study recommends combining improved forecast systems, technological innovations, and understanding human behavior to reduce whale entanglements.
A University at Buffalo researcher suggests humpback whale song is about finding, not attracting, whales. The study found that the variation in whale songs is similar to mechanisms used by land animals for echolocation.
A study found that whales near big cities in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf ingest around 3 million microplastics per day. Researchers estimated this amount by analyzing whale scat and food consumption patterns.
Whale-watch vessels with louder petrol engines significantly disrupt short-finned pilot whale resting and nursing, according to a study. The researchers found that mothers who were approached by the vessel with the petrol engine spent on average 29% less time resting and 81% less time nursing their calves.
A new study reveals human activities have drastically altered the ocean's biodiversity, with significant losses in larger species like whales and dolphins. Biomass estimates show a 60% reduction in large fish and marine mammals, outpacing even extreme climate change scenarios.
New research from Stanford University reveals whales eat twice as much krill as previously estimated, impacting ocean ecosystem productivity. The decline of baleen whales has led to a decline in krill populations, highlighting the complex role of whales in their ecosystems.
New research reveals that blue, fin and humpback whales consume an average of three times more food each year than scientists previously estimated. This increased consumption plays a crucial role in maintaining ocean health and productivity by recycling key nutrients.
A new Simon Fraser University study found that reducing vessel activity is crucial for the survival of endangered West Coast southern resident killer whales. The research suggests that these whales spend most of their time foraging in the absence of ships and boats to meet their daily energy needs.
A recent study found that whale sharks in Panama may originate from the Arabian Gulf and Western Indian Ocean, highlighting their ability to travel long distances. This discovery underscores the need for transboundary conservation measures like marine corridors to protect this endangered species.
Researchers found polar bears can be used as indicators of environmental shifts, highlighting how changes affect marine mammal prey populations. They also discovered that polar bears are flexible eaters and will consume available prey, making them an ideal monitoring tool for tracking environmental changes.
A new beaked whale species has been discovered and named after Māori whale expert Ramari Stewart, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge in scientific discovery. The species, Mesoplodon eueu, was found in South Africa and features a unique name that reflects its Indigenous roots.
A new study shows toothed whales rapidly adjust their echolocation behaviour to track fast-moving prey, with response times comparable to visual predators. The findings provide insights into how these unique animals hunt and may aid conservation efforts.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.
A study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals that southern resident killer whales have access to four to six times more Chinook salmon in the Salish Sea than northern residents. This challenges the common notion of a prey shortage for southern residents during summer feeding grounds.
Researchers developed a new, accurate method to detect North Atlantic Right Whale up-calls using Multimodal Deep Learning algorithms. The technology outperformed conventional methods in detecting up-calls, non-up-calls, and false alarms.
Researchers developed a method to forecast blue whale locations up to three weeks in advance, enabling proactive conservation and management. The tool helps minimize the burden on ocean users while protecting whales.
A Cornell-University of South Carolina-led report warns that warming oceans are driving North Atlantic right whales towards extinction. The calving rate has declined by 26% since 2010, with the population now estimated at just 356 whales.
A University at Buffalo researcher proposes that humpback whale songs are not similar to bird songs but rather dynamic and freeform vocalizations. The study reveals changes in the units within whale songs over time, suggesting a vocal flexibility that demonstrates the inadequacy of using human labels for sound production.
Researchers discovered three phases of growth that explain how cetaceans shift their nasal passage from a parallel to an angled orientation. This finding provides insight into the developmental process and could inform our understanding of cetacean evolution.
Researchers successfully detected and monitored Arctic narwhals and beluga whales using satellite orbiting 617km high, a breakthrough in cetacean tracking. This achievement demonstrates the potential of space-based monitoring for conservation efforts, providing valuable insights into these endangered species' habitats and behaviors.
A recent call for expanded research into climate change's impact on human-wildlife interactions aims to mitigate conflicts and alert policymakers, experts, and citizens. Climate-related changes in ecosystems and animal behaviors increase contact and competition between people and animals.
Researchers reprogrammed whale cells into neuronal cells to investigate the neurotoxic effects of an environmental pollutant. The study found that exposure to the pollutant led to apoptosis and disrupted cellular signaling pathways, ultimately causing neurodegeneration.
Researchers found menopause in two distinct killer whale ecotypes, with striking similarities between them. The study suggests that the evolutionary benefits of grandmothering may be a key factor in the development of menopause.