Changing patterns of habitat use by southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on their nursery ground at Península Valdés, Argentina, and in their long-range movements

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) at Península Valdés, Argentina, demonstrate remarkable behavioral and ecological flexibility, as evidenced by changes in their habitat use patterns over four decades. This study, spanning from 1970 to 2020, identified 618 individual whales sighted across multiple years, revealing shifts such as the abandonment of a major concentration region and the establishment of new nursery areas near growing whalewatching industries. Some whales were also resighted on distant feeding grounds and other nursery sites, suggesting long-range movements. Isotope analysis further indicated diverse feeding strategies among individuals. The research highlights the adaptability of these whales to environmental changes, including potential responses to human disturbances.

Rowntree, V. J., Payne, R. S., & Schell, D. M. (2020). Changing patterns of habitat use by southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on their nursery ground at Península Valdés, Argentina, and in their long-range movements. J. Cetacean Res. Manage., 133–143. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.vi.298