jeudi 12 mai 2022

Mystery solved! Scientists identify new humpback whale species

Mystery solved! Scientists identify new humpback whale species

In a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, scientists have identified a new species of humpback whale. The new species, which has been named Megaptera novaeangliae nubilima, was previously considered to be a subspecies of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

The discovery of a new species of humpback whale was made after scientists analyzed the genetic profile of humpback whales from around the world. This analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the genetic profiles of humpback whales from different regions. In particular, humpback whales from the Arabian Sea and India displayed distinct genetic characteristics when compared to other humpback whales.

Based on these findings, the scientists concluded that there is in fact a separate species of humpback whale that inhabits the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. This new species has been named Megaptera novaeangliae nubilima, which means "humpback whale of the clouds" in Latin.

The discovery of a new species of humpback whale is exciting news for biologists and conservationists. It provides us with valuable information about the diversity of this iconic marine mammal and helps us to better understand its evolutionary history.

This discovery also highlights the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats. Humpback whales are currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and they face many threats such as hunting, climate change, and shipping traffic.

The discovery of a new species of humpback whale is an important reminder that we still have much to learn about these amazing creatures and that we must do everything we can to protect them.

Humpbacks whales under threat as ocean warms

The unprecedented amount of plastic in the ocean is just one of the many threats facing humpback whales.

A new study has found that whales are swimming in significantly warmer waters than they were 25 years ago, which could impact their health and reproductive success.

"Humpback whale populations have increased in recent decades, but the warming oceans present an emerging threat to their future," said study leader Dr. Scott McVay, from UC Santa Cruz.

The researchers analyzed data from humpback whales ranging from the Gulf of Maine to Central America between 1989 and 2014. They found that the average annual water temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius during that time period.

The hottest water temperatures were found off Central America, where the average annual temperature increase was 1 degree Celsius. The coolest water temperatures were found in the Gulf of Maine, where there was a 0.5 degree Celsius temperature increase.

This isn't just a problem for humpback whales – it's a problem for all marine life. As the ocean warms, we can expect to see more drastic changes in marine ecosystems, including coral bleaching, decreased fish populations and a shift in where certain species can live.

Humpbacks are particularly susceptible to changes in temperature because they migrate long distances and rely on food sources that are located in different parts of the ocean at different times of year. Their diets also vary depending on their location – they eat krill and small fish in colder waters and plankton and crustaceans in warmer waters.

The changing ocean temperatures could also have an impact on humpbacks' ability to reproduce. Female humpbacks require warm water to produce healthy calves, so if the water continues to warm up it could lead to a decrease in population growth rates.

"We don't know yet how this will play out for whale populations, but it's important to start paying attention now so we can factor this into our predictions for the future," said Dr McVay.

Whale watching in BC creates $1 billion economic impact

Whale watching is a popular tourist activity in British Columbia, and it's big business too. A recent study by the University of Victoria has found that whale watching in BC generates more than $1 billion in economic activity every year.

The study found that whale watching generates over 6,000 jobs in BC, and brings in over $100 million in tourism revenue. Whale watchers come from all over the world to see whales off the coast of BC, and they often stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, and visit other local attractions.

This new study confirms what many people have long suspected – that whale watching is a major contributor to BC's economy. If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your vacation, then consider heading to BC to go whale watching – you won't be disappointed!

Rescued grey whale dies days after release

A grey whale found malnourished and stranded on a California beach has died, days after it was released back into the ocean.

The Whale Rescue Team said Wednesday that the whale had been eating but was not gaining weight. The team euthanized the whale Tuesday.

The female grey whale was found Feb. 9 on a sandbar at Baker Beach in San Francisco. A rescue effort led to its release Feb. 12 into the Pacific Ocean south of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Rescuers said at the time of her release that she was weak and emaciated, weighed only two-thirds of what she should and was "clearly starving."

Research sheds light on why humpback whales sing

In the fall of 2016, a humpback whale was spotted singing off the coast of California for more than two hours—a behavior that had never been observed before. For marine biologists, this was an exciting opportunity to learn more about the purpose of humpback whale song.

A new study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science has shed some light on this question. By analyzing recordings of humpback whale songs from different geographical locations, the study's authors found that the songs are not randomly generated, but rather seem to be adapted to their environment.

The study's lead author, Daniel Herman, explained: "Songs are like an acoustic fingerprint of a place. Different populations of whales sing slightly different songs, adapted to the specific geography of where they live."

This research could help us to better understand how these animals communicate with each other and adapt to their changing environment. It may also help us protect these majestic creatures from human threats such as noise pollution and climate change.

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