Visiting a humpback whale and getting up close and personal with these magnificent creatures is an unforgettable experience. You may feel insignificant compared to their massive size and incredible longevity. Humpback whales are massive creatures roughly the size of a schoo. They are recognised for their haunting and melodic songs, as well as their amazing acrobatic abilities when breaching the water.
Humpback whales do not normally have a hump on their backs; the name is derived from the large hump that forms when they curve their backs before diving deep into the ocean. If you want to go swimming with humpback whales, make sure you know everything. But, in the meantime, you can equip yourself with this list of interesting facts about humpback whales to help you plan the best whale shark tour.
1. What Is The Size Of A Humpback Whale?
Humpback whales can grow to be between 15 and 19 metres long (about the size of a bus) and weigh up to 40 tonnes. Their long and ungainly-looking pectoral fins are one of their most noticeable and distinguishing characteristics (flippers). These can grow to be nearly 5 metres long, making them the longest baleen whale flippers.
This characteristic is reflected in their Latin name, Megaptera novaeangliae, which translates as “large wing of New England.” Although they appear to be excessively long and cumbersome, scientists have discovered that they are extremely hydrodynamic and well-adapted for manoeuvrability.
2. What Do Humpback Whales Eat?
Humpback whales are baleen whales that have specialised filter-feeding inside their mouths. Their food is filtered through baleen plates, which are made up of fringed brushes that grow in rows from the upper jaw.
They take large gulps of water, then push the water out of the plates, trapping the prey inside. This prey consists primarily of krill (small crustaceans) and other small invertebrates, but it may also include small schooling fishes, including sardines, anchovies, and mackerel.
3. Where Can You Find Humpback Whales?
Humpback whales can be discovered in all oceans, but they are most abundant in a band stretching from the Antarctic ice edge to 81° N latitude. The temperature and time of year also influence where they can be found. Many spend the summer in high-latitude feeding areas, including the Gulf of Alaska, then spend the winter in warmer waters near the equator.
4. Are Humpback Whales Endangered?
Protections were put in place in the 1960s, and commercial whaling was outlawed completely in 1985 (though some countries continue to hunt whales under the guise of “scientific whaling”). Humpback whale populations have steadily recovered since the ban. A recently published study reported a substantial population rebound, with the current abundance in the western South Atlantic now near 25,000 whales, which is thought to be close to pre-whaling numbers.
5. What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Humpback Whale?
It is difficult to predict how long they will live because they lack teeth that can be used to estimate their age. Some estimates place their lifespan at around 50 years, while others place it as high as 80 years.
6. How Does Humpback Reproduce?
During the winter months, humpback whales engage in fairly complex courtship rituals. Even so, before these can begin, the whales must flock in the warm equatorial breeding waters, frequently travelling thousands of miles from their summer feeding grounds in search of a mate.
Once they arrive, males must receive the right to mate with a female, which often involves fierce competition. Unrelated males will form groups to tail females and fight each other around her, tail-slapping, breaching, and charging. They think that by doing so, they would amaze the female with their strength and authority. The majority of their fighting is for the show, and they rarely cause each other serious physical harm.
Singing also helps with reproduction. Males are thought to use songs to attract females as well as to demonstrate dominance. It may also play an important role in female oestrus induction.
7. Do Humpback Whales Communicate?
The evocative calls or songs of humpback whales are well known. These complex scenes of howls, moans and cries can last for hours and travel thousands of miles across the ocean.
The precise function of humpback songs is unknown, but numerous theories exist. Because long, complex songs are produced by males and are generated during the breeding season, it is postulated that they may perform to attract females. It may also serve as a challenge to other males.
Humpback whales communicate with one another through grunts, groans, and snorts, and calves are recognised to ‘whisper’ to their mothers, utilising low tones that can only be heard from a short distance away. This could help them avoid predators and dominant males.
Before swimming with humpback whales, consider the seven facts listed above. These can help you have the best whale shark tour possible!