Why in the News
The Humpback whale population has seen a major recovery from about 10,000 to nearly 80,000, due to successful conservation measures and their ability to adapt their food sources.
Humpback WhaleÂ
- Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
• Family: Balaenopteridae (Rorqual whales)
• Type: Baleen whale
Distribution and Migration
- Found in all major oceans from sub polar waters to equatorial regions
• Known for long distance migrations: Polar regions in summer for feeding and Tropical/subtropical seas in winter for breeding
Physical Characteristics
- A prominent hump in front of the dorsal fin
• Extra long pectoral fins (inspiration for the name Megaptera meaning big winged)
• Females larger than males
Feeding and Behaviour
- Unique feeding strategy: Bubble Net Feeding
- Whales exhale bubbles while spiraling upward to trap prey
- Diet: Krill and various schooling fish like anchovies, sardines, mackerel, cod, capelin
Lifespan and Reproduction
- Sexual maturity: 4 to 10 years
• One calf every 2 to 3 years
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
• Population recovery highlights the success of global marine conservation policies and sustainable whaling bans
| With reference to ‘dugong’ a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)
(1) It is a herbivorous marine animal (2) It is found along the entire coast of India (3) It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only |
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