Scientists observed migrating whales. What did they notice?

Using drones, researchers from Griffith University in Australia monitored 103 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Just by looking at the creatures from above, they were able to estimate how much energy they were expending during their migrations.

Scientists studied weight loss in migrating whales

During migration from their fishing grounds to their breeding grounds, humpback whales lose approximately 36 percent of their reserves. Their bodies undergo dramatic changes between March and May and August and December. They go from being at their fattest, thanks to the consumption of krill, to a point where they are dramatically thinner. This is visible even to the naked eye in the photos presented by the scientists.

"An average-sized adult humpback whale loses about 36 percent of its body weight during migration. This is the equivalent of 11 tons of fat, or roughly the weight of one busload or two African elephants," explained Alexandre Bernier-Graveline of Griffith University.

He added that to create such an energy reserve, a humpback whale must consume approximately 57 tons of krill. It would take the average person 62 years to consume that much of the shrimp-like creatures. Bernier-Graveline made no secret of the fact that his team's findings made quite an impression on him. He had previously observed much smaller beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and had to adapt to a completely new scale.

Krill are extremely important for humpback whales

Drone observations were emphasized as an effective and non-invasive method of data collection. However, it also posed a significant technical challenge, and many things could go wrong. Scientists explained that obtaining precise data required very high-quality imagery. Unfavorable weather conditions often posed another challenge.

The study's conclusions included the recognition of the crucial role of krill in the lives of humpback whales. This important energy source provided the mammals with energy for months as they migrated to tropical regions for reproductive purposes. It noted that negative environmental changes affecting krill would also impact humpback whales. It also emphasized that bold decisions had previously saved whales and demonstrated that negative trends could be reversed.

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