Rare Arnoux’s Beaked Whales Discovered Off Antarctica Coast

A team of researchers recently found Arnoux’s beaked whales off the coast of Antarctica. This is a big deal because these whales hadn’t been seen for decades. The sighting happened during a 2022 survey in the Weddell Sea, where scientists were studying top predators in the area.

Discovery Details

During their expedition, the researchers used aircraft to survey the area from above and took photographs of three separate groups of these whales. They were spotted swimming slowly near the sea ice, often just below the surface, or diving briefly under the ice.

Species Overview

Arnoux’s beaked whales can grow up to 30 feet long and look similar to dolphins with their dark color. They are known for their amazing diving skills. They can stay underwater for more than an hour, which is one reason they are so rarely seen.

Between 1988 and 2018, scientists went on 11 trips to the area but didn’t spot any Arnoux’s beaked whales. Even though there were some unconfirmed reports of sightings, there was doubt about their existence because there were no official observations.

Arnoux’s beaked whales are hard to spot because they dive very deep and stay underwater for long periods. It’s tough to detect them from ships or planes due to their diving abilities. Their skills help them avoid being seen, making it challenging for scientists to study them.

Implications of the Discovery

Finding these whales suggests that they might live in Antarctic waters all year round and could be more numerous than previously thought. This new information encourages further research, especially in the shallow, icy areas where they might be thriving.

About Arnoux’s Beaked Whales

Arnoux’s beaked whales were discovered in 1851 and are elusive marine animals mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere. They can grow up to 13 meters long and show sexual dimorphism, with males having noticeable tusks. They can dive more than 2,000 meters deep and hold their breath for up to 90 minutes. These whales mainly eat squid and deep-sea fish. Their population is not well known, which is why they are considered data-deficient. They don’t often interact with humans and usually avoid observation and study.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: Reports & Indexes Current Affairs