Satellite transmitters were deployed on four adult female southern right whales, allowing for detailed investigations into the migration and feeding behaviour of these animals.
Humans, Predators and Prey
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.
From bat-eared foxes to bats - a trip down memory lane
PRESS RELEASE 41st Annual Aerial Photographic ID Survey for Southern Right Whales
The Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute (MRI) will be conducting their annual aerial survey of southern right whales from 27 September through to mid-October. This is the 41st annual southern right whale photo-identification aerial survey, making this one of the longest running datasets on any marine mammal worldwide.
Call for global action to protect whales and dolphins from the threat of extinction
Two hundred and seventy cetacean experts worldwide have signed an open statement to global leaders calling for action to urgently address the precarious situation of many populations of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as ‘cetaceans’). Threats of extinction due to harmful human activity, such as incidental bycatch by fisheries, chemical and noise pollution, global warming and ship strikes, are faced by many species.
Measuring man’s impact on the ability of animals to rest in disturbed areas
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.