Video: First-Ever Footage of a Blue Whale Nursing its Calf

The first video of a blue whale nursing her calf has been released, alongside other remarkable footage of the species’ intimate behaviors, captured in 2022 by a fortunate snorkeler. This marks the first occasion for both scientists and the public to observe these behaviors in these notoriously elusive cetaceans.

These historic few seconds, filmed in the waters off Timor-Leste, resulted from a decade-long research collaboration between citizen scientists and researchers led by the Australian National University (ANU).

Ten-Year Project Unveils Intimate and Rare Blue Whale Behaviors

“Our ten-year project has captured some of the lesser-known and intimate reproductive behaviors of blue whales, including several first-time observations. It’s incredibly thrilling,” stated Karen Edyvane, program leader and marine ecologist at ANU.

“From newborn calves and nursing mothers to courting adults, the waters of Timor-Leste are offering blue whale researchers some of the first insights into the private lives of these massive yet elusive creatures.”

Drone footage collected during the program’s 2023 monitoring captured two adult whales in intimate courtship, demonstrating to researchers that these waters are crucial for mating and reproduction.

The footage also captured whales defecating, offering concrete evidence that they use these waters for foraging and feeding. These observations are invaluable for scientists, bridging crucial gaps in understanding how these elusive whales interact with their environment.

A Vital Global Hub for Whale Migration

In 2008, Edyvane and colleagues identified the waters off Timor-Leste as a crucial global hotspot and migration route for whales and dolphins. The pygmy blue whales in the footage are part of an annual migration between southern Australia and the Banda Sea, north of Timor-Leste.

“Timor-Leste’s deep, nearshore waters, especially in the narrow Ombai-Wetar Strait, are prime locations for blue whale research,” said Edyvane. “Since 2014, we’ve recorded over 2,700 blue whales, monitoring their migration along the north coast. These numbers are globally exceptional.”

This is welcome news amid widespread human impact on whale populations. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are endangered, with only 10,000 to 25,000 individuals remaining worldwide, and 5,000 to 15,000 having reached maturity.

“This evidence suggests these waters are crucial for both foraging and reproduction,” said Elanor Bell from the Australian Antarctic Division. “We’ve had little insight into blue whale reproduction until now.”

The latest observations focus on pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda), up to 79 feet long. Tracking them is challenging due to their brief surfacing and deep dives.

The monitoring program, Baleia no Golfinhu iha Timor-Leste, involving professionals and citizen scientists, is key to understanding these whales and monitoring their populations amid environmental changes.

“This collaboration includes researchers, tour operators, tourists, volunteers, and local fishermen, sharing sightings and images of blue whales,” said Jose Quintas from the Timor-Leste Ministry of Tourism. “It’s been an exciting shared journey.”

Ongoing research faces challenges due to the whales’ migratory nature and diverse territories.

“We must use this new information to protect these whales in Timor-Leste’s waters and beyond,” added Quintas. “Support from Australia and the international community is essential.”

Here’s another stunning drone clip of a mature blue whale.

This research was first presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in April.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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