Order: Cetacea.

Family: Balaenidae.

Size: Length- 46 to 59 ft (14-18m). Female larger than male.

Weight: 50 to 26 tonnes.

Key Features: Stocky round baleen whales; large head with lumpy projections; braod back, no dorsal fin; body colour black to dark brown with irregular white patch on belly; large flippers are narrow at the base; broad tail fluke.

Voice: Moans and burping noises.

Breeding: Single calf born about every 3 yrs after gestation period of approximately 11 to 12 months. Weaned at 4 to 8 months; sexually mature at about 10 yrs. May live up to 90 to 100yrs.

Diet: Tiny shrimp (copepods), larval crustaceans, and other small planktons.

Habitat: Feeds in cold Antarctic seas; migrates in winter to warmer coastal waters to breed.

Habits: Single female is mated by several males; commonly found in groups of 2 or 3 but sometimes in groups of up to 12; larger group may form at feeding ground.

Conservation Status: Species listed as ‘least concern’ globally on IUCN red list. Population trend increasing with around 7000 individuals.

Distribution in Gujarat: Listed on ZSI marine mammal of Gujarat list, Southern Right Whale have not been reported from the Gujarat Coast though some field studies do mention them frequenting the deep waters of Gujarat.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

• “Goa- a Scientific approach to conserving its marine mammal diversity: by Sutaria, D.” Southern Birdwing. http://www.southernbirdwing.com/goa_wildlife/indo_pacific_humpback_dolphin.htm

• Marine Mammals Facts Courtesy: Animal Fact Files- Mammals. The Brown Reference Group Plc.