Researchers led by the University of Hamburg observed the feeding of large groups
The researchers note that earlierdocumented feeding groups numbered a maximum of about a dozen whales. Using data from their research, the authors of a study published in Scientific Reports estimated that there could be as many as 8,000 fin whales living in the Antarctic region. This indicates a gradual recovery of the whale population.
Video: Helena Herr et al., Scientific Reports
Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus quoyi) is a whale fromminke whale family and the second largest animal on Earth. They are also known as the oar whale and minke whale. These animals reach a length of up to 27 m and are second in size only to blue whales.
Herring whales have become endangered due to industrial whaling. By the time the capture of these animals was banned in 1976, the population of fin whales had decreased to 1-2% of adults.
“They were reduced to 1% or 2% of the original number. We're talking about a couple of thousand animals left across the entire southern hemisphere," Helena Herr, co-author of the study, told ABC News.
Video: Helena Herr et al., Scientific Reports
Fin whales live from 70 to 80 years, and, as a rule,females produce one young at a time. This means that the population is recovering very slowly. The increase in the number of herring whales in the southern hemisphere is a sign that conservation measures for these animals are working, the researchers emphasize.
Cover image: Helena Herr et al., Scientific Reports
Read more:
The main myth about dinosaurs has been refuted: scientists have understood how reptiles took over the planet
350 million years ago, something strange happened to the Earth: it affected habitability
A huge ozone hole has been found. It is dangerous for 50% of the world's population and is visible all year round.