Satellite transmitters were deployed on four adult female southern right whales, allowing for detailed investigations into the migration and feeding behaviour of these animals.
Conservation Genetics, Photo-ID and Foraging Ecology of Bryde’s whales
The Mammal Research Institute’s Whale Unit is currently conducting boat-based fieldwork in Walker Bay in the Western Cape. The main species of interest is the Bryde’s whale, a sleek rorqual with three ridges on its rostrum and an upright, curved dorsal fin towards the back of its body. Usually shy, elusive and fast-moving, they travel long distances in search of their prey, meaning that data collection on Bryde’s whales is both exciting and challenging!
Coping with Climate Change: The 'Right' Way?
The southern right whale, South Africa’s charismatic poster child for conservation, has been well on the road to recovery since commercial whaling finally ceased in the 1960s. Sadly, this conservation success story now hangs in the balance as they face a new and deeply concerning threat to their recovery.
Celebrating World Oceans Day 2020
With only about 5% of the ocean having been properly explored scientists estimate that more than 90% of ocean species are yet to be discovered, let alone described, and sadly many of these species are almost certainly being driven to extinction. At the Mammal Research Institute we are particularly keen on one specific group of ocean inhabitants – the marine mammals.