Gentle giants of the oceans, the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) I am able to accomplish long migrations between polar feeding areas and tropical breeding areas. But a recent discovery has revolutionized our knowledge: a male humpback whale was documented while it traveled over 13,000 kilometers between Colombia and Zanzibarmarking an all-time longitudinal migration record for this species.
A record-breaking trip
This individual, photographed for the first time in 2013 in the Gulf of Tribugá, on the Pacific coast of Colombiawas spotted again in 2017 in Bahía Solanoalso in Colombia. The real surprise has arrived in 2022, when the same whale was identified off the coast of Zanzibarin the southwestern Indian Ocean. The great circle distance, i.e. the minimum distance between two points on a spherical surface, between these sightings is 13,046 kilometersthe longest ever recorded between two playback areas.
The discovery was made possible by Happywhalea platform that uses artificial intelligence to identify humpback whales through photos of their tail fins. Thanks to this instrument, the researchers were able to confirm that it was the same specimen, recognizing unique details in the notches and markings of its tail.
Atypical behavior and evolutionary strategies
Humpback whales are known for their loyalty to their breeding and feeding areas, but this case represents an extraordinary exception. Why did this whale undertake such a long and unusual journey? Scientists hypothesize several explanations, including the search for new mating opportunitiesthe competition for resources and, above all, i climate changes, which alter and compromise the availability of food in traditional feeding areas.
It could be a male desperate for a mate or an individual exploring new habitats in response to environmental pressures,” he explained to the BBC Ekaterina Kalashnikovaco-author of the study and marine biologist at the Tanzania Cetaceans Program.
These shifts could represent an evolutionary strategy to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Climate change, in fact, is influencing the distribution of krill, small crustaceans similar to shrimp, one of the main food sources of humpback whales, forcing the animals to modify their migratory routes to optimize their energy balance.
The role of citizen science
A key element of this discovery was the contribution of citizen science. The photos that made it possible to trace the path of the humpback whale have been uploaded to Happywhale by researchers and enthusiasts from all over the world. This demonstrates how collaboration between scientists and citizens can produce revolutionary discoveries.
“Happywhale is an incredibly valuable tool that has enabled collaboration on a global scale,” he explained Christie McMillanmarine biologist at the Fisheries and Oceans Canada Cetacean Research Program. “Without public participation, tracking shifts of this magnitude would have been impossible.”
An uncertain future for humpback whales
This epic journey offers a glimpse of the extraordinary capabilities of humpback whales, but also raises questions about their future. Increasing pressure from human activities, combined with the effects of climate change, could further influence their migratory behaviors.
“We need to step up research and conservation efforts to better understand these movements and protect them,” Kalashnikova stressed. Long-term data collection, combined with innovative tools like Happywhale, will be crucial to monitor humpback whales and ensure their survival.
