Scientists have been observing large gatherings of humpback whales feeding together off the coast of South Africa in recent years. The size of these gatherings numbers from 20 to 200 individuals, behavior that was only known to occur recently. A recently published study in the journal PlosOne examines the hypotheses of these “super-groups”.
In a recent study published in Marine Mammal Science, scientists analyzed the somewhat puzzling behavior of humpback whales to protect other species from killer whales. The study focused on 115 specific instances where humpbacks interfered in orcas attacking other animals. Without any obvious benefit to the humpbacks resulting from protecting other animals, the scientists said they could not rule out altruistic intentions on the part of the humpback whales.
According to Diimex’s Facebook site, Australian underwater photographer Darren Jew has captured a world record image with 9 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in one frame. Diimex is a “global online digital media exchange”. (Image by Darren Jew/Diimex)
Wetpixel member Darren Rice has posted some stunning footage on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Tonga. It features arial and underwater footage.
Simon Buxton of UWUHD and NAD Lembeh has posted a short film combining underwater 4K footage shot with a RED Epic, some clips from Panasonic GH4 with aerials shot with a DJI Phantom 2 with GoPro Hero 3+. The footage was all shot in Tonga and features the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) which migrate each year from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warm, sheltered waters of Vava’u to mate and calf.
Wetpixel member Pete Atkinson presents a personal account of, and guide to, the trials, tribulations and joys that photographers experience trying to capture images of the humpback whales of Tonga. The article is richly illustrated with the author’s images.
Patrick Masse has produced a short documentary about his recent a trip to Tonga in order to film humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).