Southern Right Whales Take Different Migration Routes

New research published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences shows southern right whales use different migration strategies crossing the Southern Ocean. Scientists tracked 21 whales from New Zealand's Auckland Islands to feeding grounds south of Australia. About half took a direct westward route, while the others made an L-shaped journey traveling much farther south before turning north. Despite different paths and travel times averaging 64 days for the long trip and 42 days for the short one, both groups arrived at feeding grounds at roughly the same time.

Lead author Leena Riekkola notes whales balance different priorities like energy conservation or making up for lost time. Whales demonstrated behavioral flexibility, with females sometimes delaying migration for calf growth. Their movements aligned with ocean currents, underwater features, and Earth's magnetic field, indicating navigation relies on multiple natural cues. Researchers suggest this adaptability aids the recovering population against climate change.

Editor's note: The article is concise, accurate, and captures all relevant data points from the source text, including the specific travel times and navigation cues.