About the Species
Humpback whales inhabit all major oceans worldwide. Although deemed the same species, there are 16 different populations. Aside from the remote Arabian Sea population, all embark on tremendous journeys each year to migrate between their feeding and their calving and breeding grounds. Their feeding grounds are accentuated by icy cold and productive waters, where krill and plankton thrive. On the other hand, their calving, breeding, and nursing grounds comprise more Tropical environments. Some Humpback populations travel over 8,000 kilometres for their seasonal migration.
Biology
Physical Traits
- The average adult Humpback whale reaches 11-15 metres in length and 25-30 tonnes in weight.
- Humpbacks have a few distinct characteristics that set them apart from other whales. Their characteristic Hump (dorsal fin) has a knobby shape and is lowly situated.
- Their colour varies from white to dark blue-grey, and they typically have knobs (called Tubercles) toward the ends of their flippers (pectoral fins) and on the ends of their jaws.
Reproduction and Lifespan
- Humpbacks give live birth and have a lengthy gestation period (11-12 months).
- Calves ordinarily travel with their mothers, relying on their milk for about seven months post birth and residing in shallower waters to ensure safer conditions while both gain the required weight and strength to embark on the calves' first grand migration.
- The average Humpback whale lives to about 45-50 years of age.