Humpback whales calving in NZ waters
The births are happening much further south than scientists thought
Until recently, it was believed that humpback whales gave birth in warmer waters. However, a new study from the University of New South Wales has revealed humpback calves have been seen as far south as Kaikoura, and near Port Arthur in Tasmania - 1500km further south than normal.
This is fantastic news for the species, which were once on the verge of extinction, University of Auckland marine ecology professor Dr Rochelle Contantine told RNZ. "That means we start to see these extraordinary events... with some calves being born on their migration north, rather than on their typical breeding grounds.," she says.
Previously, humpback whales were believed to give birth no further south than the Gold Coast on Australia's east coast, and near Exmouth, on the west coast. This study has shown that over 200 newborn calves have been recorded further south.
The reasons for the change in behaviour could be due to a number of factors, including climate change warming the water, says Dr Constantine. She also notes that in photos of the calves seen further south, they are smaller and may be premature.
The study shows the importance of keeping whales safe during their migration. From April, humpbacks begin their northern migration up both east and west of Australia, returning south between August and November.