Articles tagged with Whales
A new ancient whale genus has been discovered in Morocco, dating back to around 40 million years ago. The species likely employed manatee-like swimming and feeding habits.
Scientists have found that narwhals are changing their migration patterns in response to sea ice loss due to climate change. The study, published in PNAS, shows significant delays in autumn migrations and sex-specific differences in departure times.
A new type of satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 15 cm has been used to detect and monitor critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. The technology allows for the identification of individual whales and their habitats, which will have significant implications for conservation efforts.
New research proposes that intense Andean volcanism around seven million years ago may have contributed to the Late Miocene Cooling Event, leading to the extinctions of ancient marine mammals. The study suggests that ash from ongoing volcanism could have poisoned the air or led to toxic algae blooms.
Researchers used directional hydrophones to track blue whale movements, revealing they respond to changes in the wind. The whales seek out cooler water plumes where krill are abundant, finding a crucial source of food.
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
A team of scientists studied how relatedness to a social group changes with age in seven mammal species, finding that incentives to help or harm shift depending on the species' social structure and gender. This understanding can explain differences across species and sexes.
Researchers suggest special blood vessels called 'retia mirabilia' reduce brain pressure pulses, preventing damage. Computer modeling supports theory, which could be applied to other animals and humans.
Long-term monitoring data reveals previously undetected diurnal patterns in narwhal behavior, including changes in surface activity and diving patterns influenced by sea ice and squid migration. The study's method can be applied to assess the challenges faced by narwhals and other Arctic animals due to climate change.
Researchers discovered seven sperm whale vocal clans in the Pacific Ocean, each with unique dialects and identity codas. The study suggests that whales use these vocalizations to distinguish themselves from other groups, similar to human ethnic markers.
A team of researchers identified a shipwreck off the coast of Patagonia as the Dolphin, a 19th-century whaling ship from Rhode Island. The discovery was made possible by the analysis of tree rings in the timbers, which showed that the ship was built in New England and felled around 1850.
Scientists used 3D modeling to reconstruct the body of megalodon and estimate its weight, speed, and energy usage. The model suggests that megalodon was capable of eating prey up to 8m long and had a high energetic demand, likely feeding on whale blubber.
A study published in Ocean & Coastal Management reveals that southern right whales are slower than expected at re-establishing a habitat in mainland waters. Social media posts and citizen scientist reports played a crucial role in assessing the species' population demographics, aiding conservation efforts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.