Population status and habitat use of southern right whales in the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands of New Zealand

Southern right whales exhibit strong habitat preference and social behavior in the Auckland Islands, indicating their role as a primary wintering ground. Research from 1995 to 1997 revealed high whale density (up to 146 individuals) in shallow nearshore waters, with 12% of the population consisting of cow-calf pairs. Molecular sexing showed no significant female-to-male ratio bias, while social/sexual activity dominated in groups of three or more whales. Photo-identification tracked 217 individuals, with resightings suggesting some seasonal movement to nearby Campbell Island. The study highlights a potential shift in habitat use post-exploitation, contrasting the rarity of these whales on New Zealand's main islands.

J. Patenaude, N., & Baker, C. S. (2020). Population status and habitat use of southern right whales in the sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands of New Zealand. J. Cetacean Res. Manage., 111–116. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.vi.274