A recent scientific study has revealed a close relationship between the singing schedules of pygmy blue whales and their feeding patterns. The results showed that these creatures tend to search for food during daylight hours, while they primarily sing at night. This discovery has helped scientists identify important feeding areas for these whales, thereby enhancing conservation efforts and protecting them from various environmental threats.
The scientific website Earth.com published the results of the study conducted by researchers from Curtin University in Australia, which appeared in the journal Royal Society Open Science on October 28. The study indicated that the whales' preoccupation with feeding reduces the time available for singing, making the timing of vocalizations a potential indicator of their location and feeding activity.
Research Methodology and Results
The study relied on analyzing tracking data from 12 whales, along with thousands of days of underwater acoustic recordings. Observations focused on whales tracked in the Perth Canyon off the west coast of Australia, where data showed that these whales spend most of their feeding time during the day, while singing rates increase significantly during nighttime hours.
Daily Activity Patterns
The results showed that eight out of the nine whales tracked in the area fed at least once. Feeding activity increased after sunrise and continued until approximately midday, before declining at sunset. In contrast, the whales spent most of the night in waters near the surface, which is where they produce their songs.
Importance of Acoustic Monitoring and Protection
The study noted that whales feeding during the day had less time for singing compared to days when they did not feed. The potential time allocated for vocalizations dropped to less than 42 percent, compared to more than 53 percent during non-feeding periods. Researchers explained that underwater acoustic recorders can capture blue whale songs from distances of up to 200 kilometers in open waters, allowing for monitoring and inferring their locations without the need for direct visual observation.
These findings are particularly significant given the threats facing pygmy blue whales, such as ship traffic, oil and gas activities, and renewable energy projects. Researchers pointed out that past overhunting led to a significant decline in this species' population, with estimates indicating a slow recovery rate. This makes identifying key feeding areas essential for supporting their survival.
The study emphasized that whale songs may carry environmental indicators beyond their known functions in communication and reproduction, as they can reveal life patterns, movements, and food search areas. It was noted that verifying the accuracy of these indicators in other regions, particularly the seas of Southeast Asia, requires further recordings and research.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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