Scientists report humpback whale baby boom in Antarctica
- 6 years ago
Humpback whales in the southern oceans around Antarctica appear to be experiencing a baby boom, according to a new report published on May 1.
The report, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. says that humpbacks who live and breed in the southern oceans near Antarctica are making a comeback, with females in recent years having a high pregnancy rate and giving birth to more calves.
Humpback whales were almost hunted out of existence in the 19th and 20th centuries.
It is also reported that climate change around the Antarctic Peninsula has been beneficial for humpbacks due to them being able to have more ice-free days to hunt and mate.
This video, filmed in February of this year, shows a pod of humpback whales spy-hopping in Antarctica.
The report, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. says that humpbacks who live and breed in the southern oceans near Antarctica are making a comeback, with females in recent years having a high pregnancy rate and giving birth to more calves.
Humpback whales were almost hunted out of existence in the 19th and 20th centuries.
It is also reported that climate change around the Antarctic Peninsula has been beneficial for humpbacks due to them being able to have more ice-free days to hunt and mate.
This video, filmed in February of this year, shows a pod of humpback whales spy-hopping in Antarctica.