Humpback whales are forming super-groups
3 days ago
- #Climate Change
- #Marine Biology
- #Wildlife Conservation
- In December 2025, photographers Monique and Chris Fallows captured images of 304 individual humpback whales off South Africa's west coast, marking a record for large whales identified in a single day.
- Humpback whales, once nearly wiped out by industrial whaling, are recovering due to a global moratorium; their numbers are increasing globally, with sightings of 'super-groups' (20 or more whales) skyrocketing.
- The reasons for super-group formations are unclear but may relate to changes in prey availability, population growth, or newly observed behaviors; these groups often feed on krill during nutrient-rich upwelling events.
- The Happywhale citizen science project uses AI to identify whales from photos, helping track populations; recent data suggests many whales in super-groups are young, indicating a rebounding population.
- Despite recovery, humpbacks face threats from fishing gear, vessel strikes, noise pollution, and warming seas; their resurgence is considered a conservation success story and benefits marine ecosystems.