Humpback Whales

Humpback Whale Latest News

Recently, it was found that Humpback whale populations have surged from 10,000 to nearly 80,000 because of conservation efforts and the species incredible ability to adapt and switch food sources. 

About Humpback Whale

• The Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a species of baleen whale.
• It is a rorqual; a member of the family Balaenopteridae.
• They undertake long migrations between polar feeding grounds in summer and tropical or subtropical breeding grounds in winter. 
• Appearance
  • It has the distinctive hump on its back.
  • Its long pectoral fins inspired its scientific name, Megaptera, which means “big-winged” 
  • Humpback females are larger than males.
• Distribution: They inhabit all major oceans from sub-polar latitudes to the equator
• Behavior: Humpbacks use a unique method of feeding called bubble netting, in which bubbles are exhaled as the whale swims in a spiral below a patch of water dense with food.
• Diet: They filter their food through baleen plates. They strain krill, anchovies, cod, sardines, mackerel, capelin, and other schooling fish from the waters.
• Lifespan & Reproduction: Humpback whales reach sexual maturity between the ages of 4 and 10 years. Females produce a single calf every 2 to 3 years on average.
• Conservation status: IUCN: Least concern

Source: India Today

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