Did you know that humpback whales are among the most watched and well-studied whale species? These mammals live in all oceans around the world and are known to be entertaining.
Researchers have discovered that, every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to Maui to mate and give birth in the warm waters.
So, if you're planning to visit Maui at around this time of the year, be ready to welcome the majestic whales back. In preparation for the whale watching season, here are ten fun facts you should know about humpback whales:
Humpback whales have the longest migration on the planet. Every year, they travel over 5000 miles of open sea looking for ideal breeding and feeding grounds. At the start of winter, they migrate to the tropical South Pacific to mate and give birth. And at the end of winter, they return to their feeding grounds in the North Pacific. According to researchers, these whales can swim non-stop for nine weeks.
Humpback whales living in the Arabian Sea don't migrate like other humpbacks. These whales are also genetically different and have lived separately from the rest for over 70,000 years. They stay in the Arabian Sea year-round, mainly sticking to the waters around Pakistan, Iran, Oman, and India.
You can find humpback whales in all oceans around the world. Scientists believe that there are more than 14 different populations. At least four humpback populations live in the North Pacific and are found in the waters around Mexico, Hawaii, Panama, Costa Rica, Japan, and the Philippines.
Did you know that every humpback whale tail has unique characteristics? Tail patterns, much like human fingerprints have unique markings that stay the same throughout the humpback's lifetime. These patterns, in combination with the shape, size, and scarring of the tail, make it easy for scientists to identify and monitor individual whales.
To identify the whales, scientists will first categorize them based on their tail coloration, or the amount of white versus black on the tail. They will then narrow down into other features such as the shape and prints of the tail. This method is also used to identify whales from different populations. For example, humpback whales from the Southern Hemisphere have more white markings compared to humpback whales from the Northern Hemisphere.
Humpbacks are easy to identify compared to other whale species. They typically have a hump in front of their small dorsal fins, and their backs are usually dark (ranging from dark grey to blue-black in color). Other features that you should look out for when identifying humpback whales are their unique marks or scars. If you look closely at their tails, you'll notice circular scars, linear scratches, and other marks that make them unique.
Male humpbacks produce haunting, rhythmic sounds that can last for hours. The songs can be heard 20 miles away, mostly during breeding seasons. Humpback whales living near each other will typically sing the same song, which differs from the songs of males in other groups. Researchers have found that these songs change gradually over the years with singing members within the same population switching to the same song.
Although humpback whale songs are believed to attract females during the breeding season, some scientists say that the songs also serve as a way to locate food and communicate with other humpbacks miles away.
Humpbacks travel in smaller pods, but they occasionally gather in groups to hunt. They mostly hunt and feed in summer while preparing for the mating season.
During the feeding season, the humpbacks dive deep into the ocean and then swim up with their mouths open, ready to trap and swallow small fish. They can consume up to 3,000 pounds of food per day.
It's difficult to determine the exact age of a humpback whale. However, scientists believe that these whales can live for 80 to 90 years. Baby humpbacks usually weigh about one ton and are generally about 3m to 5m in length. They nurse on their mother's milk for a year or until they're ready to feed on food.
As they grow older, they begin to travel in groups or in pairs. While humpbacks don't usually have long-lasting relationships with their mothers, they're always in the same breeding and feeding grounds as them.
Humpback whales are one of the main target species for whalers all around the world. While whaling was banned in 1986, thousands of humpbacks have been killed since then. Whalers kill humpbacks mainly because they want to make money from selling their meat and body parts. Their cartilage, oil, and blubber are used to make dietary supplements, while their meat is used in pet food or served to tourists as a 'traditional dish.'
Humpbacks are the most playful and acrobatic whale species. They're often seen putting up a show by jumping out of the water and slapping the surface of the water with their tails. During the winter months, these whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to give birth in the warm waters. So if you're planning to go whale watching in Hawaii, then you should plan your visit between October and April.
Humpback whales are interesting to watch, and learning more about them makes your whale-watching experience more enjoyable. From their playful nature to their unique tail patterns and their songs, there is so much to learn about these mammals.
If you are planning to go on a whale-watching adventure, always keep in mind that it's important to do a background check before booking a tour with any whale-watching company. Make sure they are reputable and follow the guidelines for responsible whale watching.
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