<
https://theconversation.com/a-new-model-accurately-predicts-the-migration-of-humpback-whales-and-may-help-them-survive-climate-change-244396>
"This year’s humpback whale (
Megaptera novaeangliae) season in Australia has
almost come to an end. The beloved mammals are on their way to Antarctica for a
summer of feeding. Next year from April onwards, millions of people will again
witness their movements and acrobatic displays – either from the coast or by
joining one of the hundreds of whale-watch boat operators.
But as much as we like to watch humpback whales, we still know very little
about them. They are notoriously difficult to study in the field. While they
are known for their surface activities, they spend most of their time
underwater and outside the range of direct observations.
One of the biggest mysteries of all is how these animals make decisions to
determine what they do and where they go.
This is where our new research, published in
Marine Mammal Science today,
comes in. We developed a model which effectively captures key humpback whale
behaviours and their resulting southward migratory movements in east Australia.
It can help anticipate challenges whales may face in the future. In turn, it
may aid efforts to better conserve these majestic animals."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
