Summary
Researchers have observed an increasing number of humpback whale calves being born in colder southern waters, over 1500km south of their traditional calving zones, potentially exposing them to greater risks. A UNSW-led study, sparked by a sighting during a whale-watching trip, collected 200 calf sightings, revealing complex migratory behaviors and trends towards earlier migrations due to environmental changes. The shift in calving locations may be a strategy to avoid competition for food, but it raises concerns about the calves’ safety in busy shipping lanes.