Rare Beaked Whales Display Unusual Shallow Water Habits

Photo byPhoto by Todd Cravens on Unsplash

Scientists have observed an unusual phenomenon involving Baird's beaked whales near the Commander Islands. For over 12 years, the deep-sea species has repeatedly been seen in shallow waters. The team, led by marine scientists, documented a stable community of whales visiting the same area annually, challenging previous assumptions about the species' behaviour.

Beaked whales are known for their elusive nature and deep-sea habitat, making sightings rare and challenging to study. However, the consistent sightings near the Commander Islands prompted closer investigation. The researchers identified a resident pod of 79 whales returning to the area over multiple years, along with a transient group of 107 individuals, some of whom interacted with the residents.

Despite their species' typical deep-sea habitat, transient whales' presence in shallow waters suggests cultural transmission of behaviour. The researchers propose that transients learn about the advantages of the location through social contact with the resident population, indicating the development of cultural traditions among beaked whales.

This cultural sharing parallels observations in other cetaceans, such as orcas and dolphins, that exhibit social learning and transmit hunting techniques. The discovery of cultural traditions among beaked whales highlights the complexity of their behaviour and has implications for conservation efforts.

Understanding cetaceans' diverse behaviours and habitats is crucial for adequate species protection, as it challenges their behaviour and distribution assumptions. The findings suggest that planning conservation strategies based solely on traditional habitat assumptions may overlook important habitats and behaviours, emphasizing the need for comprehensive conservation approaches.