Whale Science

Harbor porpoise calves ingest toxic chemicals through their mother’s milk

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Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), though banned, remain a threat to marine ecosystems, particularly damaged the harbor porpoises in the North Sea. A study found that these porpoises consume high concentrations of such pollutants while feeding, compromising their health and reproduction. Transferred from mothers to calves through lactation, these chemicals, such as PCBs, pose a major concern for the future population of these marine mammals. This calls for enhanced conservation strategies and more responsible individual actions.

Florida Manatees -Tough on the outside, but not invincible

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Manatees, affectionately known as “sea cows” or “mermaids,” are peaceful herbivorous giants found in fresh and saltwater coastal areas. Despite lacking natural predators in the case of the West Indian Manatees (the ones we find in North America), their population numbers are not as robust as one might expect. This post will shed light on …

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Toxic Menus: Contaminants Threaten the Health of North Atlantic Killer Whales

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In a ground-breaking new study just published in Environmental Science & Technology, a disturbing picture of contamination among North Atlantic killer whales has emerged. Persistent organic contaminants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides (DDTs, Chlordanes, etc.), and flame retardants, were detected at alarming levels in these apex marine predators. This study sheds light on the …

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Unlocking the Secrets of Female Common Dolphin Reproduction in New Zealand

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Understanding the life history of organisms helps us learn how they grow and develop traits that help them survive in their environment. It also reveals how vulnerable a population can be if certain behaviors and traits put them at risk of extinction. In our rapidly changing world, studying a species’ life history is important to …

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Baby killer whales face many challenges in their first year

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We just heard the news that a new killer whale baby was born into the L-pod of the critically endangered Southern Resident population. While we’re delighted to hear about the birth of a new killer whale calf, it’s important to be cautious. Unfortunately, newborn killer whales have a high mortality rate within their first six …

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What do killer whales eat in the North Atlantic? Fat’s the question!

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Here is a killer whale fact for you: despite decades of intensive research, we still do not know for sure what killer whales eat in most regions of the world. Killer whales are top predators, and the amount and types of animals they eat can greatly impact a whole ecosystem. To figure out how killer …

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The award for the largest brain in the world goes to…

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The adult human brain weighs about 3 lbs, which is an incredible feat in it itself, as it is only supported by 7 vertebrae. But we really do not even come close to the biggest brain. One might think it belongs to the blue whale, as it is the largest animal on earth. One would …

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Bros for life! Dolphin males can form life-long relationships with one another

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Dolphin males can sometimes form life-long friendships with one another. This type of relationship is known in the field as “male pair bonds.” These bonds are typically formed between two males (sometimes three) of similar age. The males in the pair bond will engage in a range of cooperative activities, like hunting and courting females, …

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