Whale Songs Reveal New Humpback Breeding Grounds in Northwestern
Hawaii
Scientific acoustic monitoring has uncovered
previously unknown calving grounds for Humpback whales, expanding the map of
their winter habitats beyond the main Hawaiian Islands.
According to a study published in the Marine Ecology Progress Series, scientists have long believed that Humpback
whales primarily gave birth and raised their calves within the waters of the
eight main Hawaiian Islands. However, new
acoustic evidence suggests their breeding range is significantly larger than
previously estimated.
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| Whale Songs Reveal New Humpback Breeding Grounds in Northwestern Hawaii |
Whale Songs Reveal New Humpback Breeding Grounds in Northwestern Hawaii
Expanding the Map
A team of American researchers, led by Marc Lammers from the University of Hawaii, discovered that the whale
nursery grounds extend well into the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
The discovery was made by tracking the unique
songs of the Humpback whale. Male whales are known to sing to females during
the winter breeding season, creating a new, complex melody each year that is
shared and repeated by males across the region.
Acoustic Evidence
By utilizing specialized recording equipment, the
researchers detected these distinct breeding songs in the remote chain of small
islands northwest of the main archipelago.
- The Finding: The presence of these songs confirms that
Humpback whales are not only visiting but actively rearing their young in
these remote northwestern waters during the winter.
- The Mystery: While the link between singing and breeding
is clear, scientists have yet to definitively determine the exact
biological function or "reason" why the animals sing.
Conservation and
Recovery
Humpback whales were once driven to the brink of
extinction. However, thanks to international protection programs, their
population numbers are currently rebounding.
Key Humpback Whale Facts:
- Size: These massive marine mammals can grow up to 19 meters (62 feet) in length.
- Weight: A mature adult can weigh up to 30 tons.
- Distinctive Features: Aside from their unique songs, Humpback
whales are famous for their pectoral fins, which are exceptionally long
and can reach up to one-third of their total body length.
