Elusive pygmy right whale is a homebody hiding in our waters
Elusive pygmy right whale is a homebody hiding in our waters UNSW Newsroom
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The Pygmy Right Whale: A Resident Species in Australian Waters
The pygmy right whale is an enigma in the whale world. Not only is it the smallest of the characteristically large filter-feeding baleen whales, but it’s also rarely sighted and seldom studied – partly because of its inconspicuous nature and resemblance to minke whales.
Introduction
New research led by UNSW Sydney has shed light on the behavior of the pygmy right whale, confirming that it behaves differently from its larger whale relatives. The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that the pygmy right whale is one of the few whale species that reside in the temperate waters near Australia throughout the year, instead of undertaking long-distance migrations to Antarctic waters.
Resident Species in Australian Waters
The study’s lead author, Adelaide Dedden, a marine ecologist at UNSW Science, highlights the lack of knowledge about pygmy right whales. The research reveals that these whales are resident species, choosing to stay in Australian waters year-round. Professor Tracey Rogers, a marine ecologist at UNSW Science and senior author of the study, finds it fascinating that these small whales behave similarly to ancestral baleen whales that did not migrate between feeding and breeding grounds.
Uncovering the Chemical Clues in Their Bristles
Studying pygmy right whales in a lab is challenging due to their size. Instead, scientists analyzed the composition of their baleen plates, which contain stable isotopes that provide insights into their behavior. The baleen plates act as filters for their prey and trap stable isotopes from their food as they grow.
Extensive Study of Diet and Movements
The researchers analyzed the stable isotopes in the baleen plates of 14 Australian pygmy right whales, loaned from the South Australian Museum. The data collected spanned nearly 40 years, making it the most extensive study of the pygmy right whale’s diet and movement to date. The isotopic record revealed that these whales feed on krill and copepods in mid-latitude waters off southern Australia throughout the year, with no evidence of feeding in Antarctic waters.
Feeding Patterns and Ecosystem Dynamics
The study also found a correlation between the whales’ feeding patterns and oceanic changes, particularly upwelling events. Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, increasing krill availability in Australian waters. The baleen signals reflecting Australian krill coincided with upwelling events in summer, indicating the availability of krill during those times.
A Potential Indicator of Ecosystem Health
The researchers believe that their findings lay the foundation for further research on pygmy right whales. They suggest using satellite tagging to monitor their movements and better understand their behavior. While the pygmy right whale’s current status is classified as least concern, its population trend is relatively unknown, and it may be vulnerable to emerging risks such as warming oceans. However, it also has the potential to serve as an indicator species for monitoring the marine environment.
Conclusion
More research is needed to fully understand the pygmy right whale and its role in the ecosystem. By studying these whales, scientists can better forecast risks and protect both the species and its habitat.
The study also involved co-authors Gary Truong and Dr. Matthew McCurry from UNSW, Dr. Catherine Kemper from the South Australia Museum, and Dr. Paul van Ruth from the University of Tasmania.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas | Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article discusses the behavior and habitat of the pygmy right whale, which is a marine mammal. SDG 14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
SDG 15: Life on Land
The article mentions the potential role of the pygmy right whale as an indicator species for monitoring the marine environment. SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems
The article highlights the need to understand the behavior and habitat of the pygmy right whale to better protect and manage marine ecosystems.
Target 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10 percent of coastal and marine areas
The article emphasizes the importance of conserving specific regions where the pygmy right whale feeds and resides, as they rely on these areas for their survival.
Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats
The article mentions the potential vulnerability of the pygmy right whale to emerging risks such as warming oceans, highlighting the need to address habitat degradation to protect this species.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
The article discusses the need to manage marine ecosystems, including the regions where the pygmy right whale resides, using ecosystem-based approaches to ensure their sustainability.
Indicator 14.5.1: Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas
The article emphasizes the importance of conserving specific regions where the pygmy right whale feeds and resides, indicating the need to measure the coverage of protected areas in relation to these marine areas.
Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
The article mentions the potential vulnerability of the pygmy right whale to emerging risks, indicating the need to monitor and measure the Red List Index to assess the degradation of natural habitats and the species’ conservation status.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newsroom.unsw.edu.au
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