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Humpback Whales Defend Gray Whale

rochabob — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:31:11 +0000

Humpback whale lunge feeding. Photo courtesy of Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Plymouth, MA.

A recent event provides more insight into the cognitive and interpretive capabilities of whales. This story by Candace Calloway Whiting in Digital Journal is an engaging account of humpback whales coming to the rescue of a mother and calf gray whale pair under attack from a pod of transient orcas. Unfortunately the efforts failed, perhaps because the majority of the humpbacks were not able to arrive in time to drive off the orcas. (The orcas’ well-planned, persistent attack could easily be subject of another article about cetacean intelligence.) Yet, the fact that these animals sensed the distress of another species, communicated this concern to others of their own group and then expended a considerable amount of energy to assist that other species, is remarkable.

The often subjective debate about cetacean intelligence will continue apace until we learn to speak Whalish. Until then, we will rely upon the many dedicated researchers and behaviorists who spend their hours deciphering the communication and interactions amongst these marine mammals.

For those of you living near the Museum, we invite you to take a look at the new “What’s Going on in That Head of Yours?” exhibit. Here we examine the similarities and differences between the heads of odontocetes and mysticetes, since this is where many of the differences exist. As part of the exhibit we have put the brain of a Risso’s dolphin on display. The commentary on intelligence was prepared by NBWM docent and retired brain surgeon, Dr. William Renehan.

WDCS Species Guide

whaleblog — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:13:01 +0000

WDCS, The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society has just launched a comprehensive on-line guide to whales and dolphins. This species guide provides interesting and easy to use insights into their habitats and behavior. In it you will find information on the 85 currently recognized species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, collectively known as ‘cetaceans’.

The guide, which is of particular use to students, researchers, the tourist trade, and journalists, comes in three languages, and provides interesting and easy to use insights into the creature’s habitats, behaviour, and where to find them. It also features 80 maps, over 400 images, a threat index (which highlights the level of danger facing each species).

click on this image to get to the database

Possible New Right Whale Hangout

rochabob — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:41:11 +0000

A year’s worth of data collected by hydrophones in the waters off of the southern tip of Greenland indicates that some endangered northern right whales may be ‘hanging out’ near Cape Farewell Grounds. It will be interesting to learn what is deduced in the follow-up research. Is this a separate population of the NARW or is it a small group of those that we see along the Eastern seaboard that has gone wandering?

The Associated Press article can be found here: http://bit.ly/jfpDJ

North Atlantic right whale breaching in Cape Cod Bay, May 2009. Taken by Regina Asmutis-Silvia/WDCS

The New Bedford Whaling Museum supports the efforts of the many members of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium as they work to protect this highly endangered species. We proudly display the skeletons of an NARW and her fetus in our Jacobs Family Gallery, http://bit.ly/TFmVj .