Whale of the month - Humpback Whale
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are one of the most fascinating marine mammals, known for their acrobatic breaches, haunting songs, and epic migrations. These gentle giants can grow up to 16 meters (52 feet) long and weigh around 30 to 40 tons. They are highly social animals, often seen in small groups called pods, but their associations can be fluid, changing throughout the year depending on the season and purpose of their gatherings. One of their most remarkable behaviors is their complex vocalization—males sing intricate songs that can last for hours, possibly as a form of communication, territory marking, or even courtship.
French Polynesia has become one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales in their natural habitat. From July to November, these whales gather around islands like Moorea and Rurutu, offering breathtaking encounters for those lucky enough to witness them. In 2002, French Polynesia declared its waters a Marine Mammal Sanctuary, protecting these whales and other cetaceans from hunting and human disturbance. Today, eco-tourism plays a vital role in conservation efforts, providing people with a chance to connect with these incredible creatures while ensuring their protection for future generations.
Humpbacks are famous for their long migrations, traveling up to 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) between feeding and breeding grounds. In the Southern Hemisphere, populations migrate from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica to the warm, tropical waters of the Pacific, including French Polynesia. These islands serve as critical calving and breeding areas, where mothers give birth and nurse their young in the safety of shallow lagoons. The bond between a mother and her calf is incredibly strong, with the mother providing nourishment and protection for nearly a year before the calf becomes independent.
One of the most spectacular aspects of humpback whale behavior is their feeding technique. In colder waters, they use bubble-net feeding, a cooperative hunting strategy where a group of whales creates a spiral of bubbles to trap schools of fish before lunging through the dense mass with their mouths wide open. Despite their massive size, they primarily feed on krill and small fish, consuming up to 1.5 tons per day during the feeding season. However, while in their breeding grounds like French Polynesia, they fast for months, relying on stored fat reserves.
