Southern smooth whale [1] ( lat. Eubalaena australis ) is a species of the family of smooth whales ( Balaenidae ). It is similar to both other species of the genus Eubalaena - the Japanese and North Atlantic whales , and earlier it was even believed that it forms one species with them.
South smooth whale | ||||||||||||||||
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| Eubalaena australis ( Desmoulins , 1822) | ||||||||||||||||
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Security status IUCN 3.1 Least Concern : 8153 |
Content
- 1 Description
- 2 Distribution
- 3 Reproduction
- 4 Threats
- 5 Southern whale watching
- 6 notes
- 7 Literature
Description
The color of this species of whales varies from light brown to blue-black, white spots are possible. Sometimes white male cubs who are not albinos come into the world. In the area of the head, especially in the lower jaw, and also above the eyes, they have skin growths that are individually formed in each individual and can serve to identify the animal. Southern whales can reach a length of 18 m and a weight of 80 tons. Females are usually somewhat larger than males. Like all smooth whales, southern whales are distinguished by a large head, which makes up about a third of the entire body length, as well as the absence of a dorsal fin .
Distribution
Southern whales live in the subpolar and temperate latitudes of the Southern Ocean , typically between 30 ° and 50 ° southern latitude. Regular observations of the southern whale are conducted from the shores of South America , South Africa , Australia , New Zealand and small subantarctic islands. In winter, they migrate for mating to warmer marine regions, and in summer they move south in search of food.
Reproduction
After a one-year pregnancy, the female gives birth to a cub in winter or spring, whose length is 5-6 m, and weight from 1000 to 1500 kg. To protect against predators, the female retires in a sea bay before birth. The baby grows very quickly, about 3 cm per day. He eats milk for six months. It is noteworthy that the southern whales have the largest genital organs in the animal world, they weigh about a ton and make up to 2% of the total weight.
Threats
Like the North Atlantic smooth whales, the southern whales have long been the objects of intense hunting. Their curiosity and contact made them easy prey for whalers . Since 1937 , the species has been protected and the number of southern whales has begun to recover. It develops more successfully than their northern relatives and is currently estimated at 7,000 individuals.
Southern Whale Watching
Good observation opportunities are available near the Valdez Peninsula in Argentina . Between June and December, whales can be seen from the coast or, even better, from a boat. Southern whales with cubs are approaching boats in large numbers. You can often see whales jumping out of the water. You can watch whales from June to November at the Cape of Good Hope , as well as in Western Australia near the city of Albany .
The skeleton, used in the first description of the species in 1822, is exhibited at the Paleontological Museum in Paris
Notes
- ↑ Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia. "Mammals" Prince. 2 = The New Encyclopedia of Mammals / Ed. D. MacDonald . - M .: Omega, 2007 .-- S. 469. - 3000 copies. - ISBN 978-5-465-01346-8 .
Literature
- RR Reeves, BS Stewart, PJ Clapham, JA Powell: See Mammals of the World - a complete Guide to Whales, Dolphins, Seals, Sea Lions and Sea Cows . A&C Black, 2002, ISBN 0-7136-6334-0
- M. Würtz, N. Repetto: Underwater world: Dolphins and Whales . White Star Guides, 2003, ISBN 88-8095-943-3