Southern right whales have been adapting to the effects of climate change, as new research by scientists from the University of Auckland’s Waipapa Taumata Rau has revealed. The study shows how these majestic creatures have shifted their foraging grounds over the past 30 years in response to changes in the distribution of their prey due to global warming.
The southern right whale is a species of baleen whale that can be found in the Southern Hemisphere and is known for its distinctive V-shaped blowhole spray. These whales feed on small crustaceans called copepods, which they filter from the water using the bristles on their baleen plates. However, the abundance of these tiny organisms has been affected by rising ocean temperatures and changing ocean currents, forcing the whales to adjust their feeding habits and migration patterns.
By analyzing the movements of more than 100 individual southern right whales off the coast of New Zealand, the researchers were able to determine that the animals had shifted their foraging grounds toward cooler waters where their prey was more abundant. In particular, the whales were found to be moving further south and east than in previous decades, indicating that they are responding to changing environmental conditions in a bid to maintain their survival.
This research provides valuable insights into how marine mammals are adapting to the impacts of climate change, and highlights the need for continued monitoring of these animals to ensure their long-term survival. It also underscores the importance of preserving the habitats and ecosystems upon which these creatures depend.
The southern right whale was once hunted almost to extinction, but numbers have since recovered thanks to conservation efforts. However, the ongoing effects of climate change pose new threats to the species, making it more important than ever to understand how these animals are coping with changing conditions.
As Dr. Rochelle Constantine, one of the lead authors of the study, noted: “Our findings demonstrate the incredible resilience and adaptability of southern right whales in the face of environmental change. However, we must continue to monitor these animals closely and take proactive measures to protect their habitats if we want them to thrive in the future.”
