They make some interesting noises though include belching, groaning, and popping. Contact us at SafariBookings and we'll help you plan the trip of a lifetime. After birth the baby southern right whale is nursed and cared for by its mother. The Southern Right Whales are one of the three Right Whale species in the Eubalaena genus. Some southern right whales are mostly white as babies, and a few remain that color as they grow up. The head is extremely large, up to a third of the overall body length, and is very obviously marked with callosities. The other day, we were sitting on our terrace and for the first time of my life I saw a white whale. Unlike other dolphins the southern right whale dolphin completely lack a dorsal fin which makes it easier to identify within its region. They sometimes breach clear of the water or beat the surface with their tails. The other two is known as the north Atlantic right whale and the north pacific right whale. Easily compare offers from 3,472 specialized tour operators. Conservation status: ‘Endangered’ but recovering at about 7% per year Interesting fact: Southern Right whales engage in a unique behavior, known as tail sailing. Their scientific name, Eubalaena glacialis, means “good”, or “true whale of ice.” Eubalaena is derived … Every single ocean on Earth is a whale habitat. Whereas at least 10,000 bowheads and 7,000 southern right whales remain, northern right whales are rare, numbering only in the hundreds. to $2,245 pp (USD), Tanzania: There is an impressive population that comes from the sub-Antarctic feeding grounds and they come to breed in the calm waters at the shores. The pygmy right whale (Caperea marginata) was considered a close relative of the bowhead and northern right whale but has been reclassified to … Southern right whales are very big. The Southern right whale (E. australis) is the most abundant of the three species and can be found throughout the southern hemisphere. In addition to being active they are also very social with other whales and dolphin and are known to approach boats and vessels in order to observe them and the people one the boats. The southern right whale can be found swimming between the southern hemisphere and near Antarctica. Southern right whales are found swimming in the southern hemisphere. The rear flukes which help propel the whale forward through the ocean is long and tapered back at both ends to allow the whale to maintain its efficiency while swimming. These dolphins have a short beak that slopes down from the forehead and becomes pointed towards the end of the beak. Like all whales , right whales are mammals that live in the ocean but breathe air at the surface. Make decisions like a pro by using our 58,749 reviews and 200 destination guides.More About Us, $2,095 Safaris, Tanzania An Adult Southern Right Whale can weigh up to 40 tones. They are also about 20 feet in length. These whales are skimmers and can be seen swimming at or near the surface of the water when hunting for food. These whales can weigh up to 80 tons, which is equal to 10 African Elephants! Southern right whales have dark grey or black skin. By continuing you agree to our use of cookies. The blue whale is the largest known creature to ever inhabit the planet. They are a close relative of the North Pacific Right and the North Atlantic Whales. The best time to watch Southern Rights Whales are early August to mid October, when they swim from the middle of … These are Southern Right Whale Factsyou should know. per testicle the right whale is believed to have the largest testicles of any known animal. Safaris, Rwanda Safaris, Whalers coined the term ‘right whale’ because they considered this slow, approachable species to be the ‘right’ one to hunt. Safaris, Swaziland Safaris, Uganda While vocalization has been observed with the Right Whale, it isn’t as loud or frequent as that from many other species of whales. 6) With a lifespan of up to 100 years the southern right whale is one of the longest living species of cetacea. Below are 15 fun facts about whales, proving that these creatures are a wonder of nature. Safaris, DR Congo Right Whale Behavior. They form a distinctive pattern … Southern Right Whales’ testicles are the largest in … These sounds allow them to effectively communicate among each other. These whales can be seen traveling in a variety of different locations such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa and Uruguay. Interesting Facts Whales are the world’s largest animals. The tongue of the blue whale is as big as an elephant. Unlike other whale species the southern right whale lack a dorsal fin. When the calves are born they weight close to one ton. Right whales feed on zooplankton and other tiny organisms using baleens up to 8 feet long. 5) At over 1,000 lbs. to $1,930 pp (USD), Kenya: Distribution: Entire Southern Ocean from Antarctica to Australia, Southern Africa & South America. Generally these whales are found hunting in high latitude areas where the cold water supplies large amounts of nutrient rich foods such as krill and plankton. Check out the Top 5 Whale Watching Spots. When compared to other whale species their head is rather large and encompasses roughly 1/4 – 1/3 of the whales entire body. They are easy to identify as they have a uniform dark color with white outgrowths of hard skin (callosities) on and near their heads, which can even distinguish individuals. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp, You Visit: Arusha (Start), Tarangire NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP, Arusha (End), $1,550 Thousands were slaughtered during the 19, A V-shaped spout and the lack of any dorsal fin are both key ID features for this species. This whale is one of three species within the right family. Female whales will produce a single offspring every 3 – 4 years. Easily compare offers from 3,472 specialized tour operators. Southern Right Whale Facts 5 Interesting facts about Southern Right Whales– The southern right whale is found at cape in South Africa. It migrates between far-south waters near Antarctica, where it spends the summer months feeding, and northern waters, where it travels to breed and nurse its young. Whalers coined the term ‘right whale’ because they considered this slow, approachable species to … We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. 3) Despite their large size these marine mammals are sometimes attacked by killer whales and large sharks. An interesting fact has to do with the size of the testicles on a Right Whale. The other two are the north Atlantic right whale and the north pacific right whale. During the southern winter, good numbers arrive there  from their sub-Antarctic feeding grounds – to breed in the calm inshore waters. to $4,137 pp (USD), Tanzania: per testicle the right whale is believed to have the largest testicles of any known animal. At full maturity the southern right whale can grow up to 50 feet long and weigh as much as 60 tons. This whale makes up one of three species within the right whale family. The females only produce offspring once every 3 to 4 years. Researchers believe that this helps them to produce the volume of sperm necessary to increase the chances of conception. These Marianne mammals will make a conscious effort not to do anything that could cause harm to that person. Private tourMid-rangeLodge & Tented Camp, You Visit: Arusha (Start), Lake Manyara NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (End), Unlimited Expeditions - The Soul of Tanzania, $3,936 8) With a head measuring up to 1/3 the length of its entire body the southern right whale has one of the largest heads of all the whale species. Make decisions like a pro by using our 58,749 reviews and 200 destination guides. This Baleen Whale species can be easily distinguished by the presence of the callosities on their heads. 9) Despite being massive marine animals the primary diet of the southern right whale consists of prey that measures less than 1 inch long; however there are a few species of krill that can grow to lengths of up to six inches. Their breeding areas are often close to shore, off southern South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and various temperate and sub Antarctic islands. 2) Because the southern right whale is a marine mammal it produces milk, gives birth, is warm-blooded and breathes air. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. Here are some great Whale Facts I got from mirandazhao.. Maturity occurs between 7 and 10 years of age. Whether you're a whale watcher or want to catch a glimpse of the Big Five, there is simply so much magnificent wildlife to see (and hear). First, it was alone and we noticed that it was very small. This equates to a combined weight of 10 Adult African Elephants. Some have white patches on their bellies. 7) Due to their thick layer of blubber the southern right whale never crosses over the equator and into the northern hemisphere because their body is unable to handle the extreme heat. Interesting Facts about Southern Right Whales that visit our Shores every year between June and December of every year. Coming back to the right whales, there are three types of right whales: the North Pacific right whale, the Atlantic right whale and the southern right whale – you already know which region each belongs to! About 3-6% of all southern Right Whales have white or light grey blazes on their backs (find out more about skin coloration in Cetaceans in a later post). Southern right whales have the largest testicles of any animal, each weighing around 500kg. Cookie settings. ... Fun Facts about the Right Whale! 1) The scientific name for the southern right whale is, “Eubalaena australis”. They hunt their prey by swimming with their mouth open and trapping their prey in their baleen bristles while also filtering water out of their mouth. Southern right whales are a fairly active species that can be found performing numerous activities such as breaching and sailing. right whale facts December 2, 2020 / 0 Comments / in Uncategorized / by / 0 Comments / in Uncategorized / by Southern right whales are known to swim between the southern hemisphere and near Antarctica. As we celebrate Whale Week, take a look at some interesting tidbits and see if you learn something new about these majestic creatures. Southern right whales are large stocky whales. 1. The body is mostly black and typically features patches of white on the belly and chin. 7 Surprising Southern Right Whale Facts Like other Right Whales, Southern Right Whales don’t have a dorsal (back) fin. Here are 10 interesting facts about the southern right whale that you probably didn’t know about: This can be seen when a human is observed swimming next to the whale. Whales are mammals, meaning they are warm-blooded and breathe air. The Southern Right whales breeding season is between June to November. Sexual maturity is usually reached between 9 – 11 years for females which is around the time they begin to mate and reproduce. 6) With a lifespan o… Bulls may grow up to reach 17 metres long and weigh nearly 50 tonnes. 1) The scientific name for the southern right whale is, “Eubalaena australis”. Now let’s get to the interesting part. How Large is an Adult Southern Right Whale ? Safaris, Zimbabwe Right whales were first classified in the genus Balaena in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus, who at the time considered all right whales (including the bowhead) to be a single species.Through the 1800s and 1900s, in fact, the family Balaenidae has been the subject of great taxonometric debate. The southern right whale is one of four species, or types, of right whales. This means that even a small southern right whale is bigger than a coach bus! Tours, South Africa 5 Interesting facts about Southern Right Whales – The southern right whale is found at cape in South Africa. While it is difficult to establish a solid lifespan for southern right whales estimates point to an average lifespan between 50 – 100 years. The southern right whale is a baleen whale and one of three species classified as right whales. 10) These marine mammals are a protected species and hunting them in certain countries could lead to steep fines and/or jail time. They remain until November before migrating southwards with their calves. Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp, You Visit: Nairobi (Start), Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru NP, Masai Mara NR, Nairobi (End). More About Us. SafariBookings is the largest online marketplace for African safari tours. The average gestation period for southern right whales (the period from conception to birth) is about 12 months. The southern right whale is known to face a number of threats throughout various parts of the southern hemisphere. Currently all three species of right whale are considered endangered. Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines. The southern right whale is a baleen whale and belongs to the group known as Cetacea which includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Copyright © 2020 SafariBookings. 4) A fully grow southern right whale can weigh as much as 8 adult African elephants. The southern right whale belongs to the group Cetacea which includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. Male humpback whales found in U.S. waters sing complex songs in winter breeding areas in waters near Hawaii, in the Caribbean, and elsewhere that can last up to 20 minutes and be heard miles away. The body is streamlined for low water resistance and is most robust near th… If you are standing at one of the view points on #Chappies and see a whale spouting, you may need a few interesting facts whales - in particular, about the Southern Right Whale: Southern Right whales migrate annually from Antarctica to the coast around Cape Town. Safaris, Mozambique By browsing through this site you agree to our use of cookies. Tours, Namibia When it comes to mating these whales are polygamous animals and females may have as many as 7 partners. Their body is fairly large and rotund and is widest around the center area but tapers down towards the rear flukes. Southern Right Whale Facts. Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa. Southern right whales live throughout the Southern hemisphere, they are migratory whales, commuting annually between their warmer breeding areas and colder favourite feeding areas. Nursing generally lasts for about 6 months and involves the mother giving its child milk which the child suckles from her nipples. These whales are mainly found in the Southern Hemisphere. There is an impressive population that comes from the sub-Antarctic feeding grounds and they come to breed in the calm waters at the shores. The Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena Australis) is best known from South Africa’s Cape. When observed from the side the mouth is slightly arched and bow-shaped in appearance. Diet: C opepods, krill, mysids and plankton. Mike is an award winning wildlife writer, editor of Travel Zambia magazine and author of the Bradt Guide to Southern African Wildlife. Tours, Zambia In terms of color the southern right whale has dark grayish – black skin tone with white patches on its throat and belly. 4) A fully grow southern right whale can weigh as much as 8 adult African elephants. White calluses on its head are actually whale lice buried in the skin. They immediately distinguish it from the. By continuing to browse through this website you agree to our use of cookies. Tours, Kenya Tours, Ethiopia During feeding season these whales can be found swimming in colder waters in and around the Antarctic region. This species is easily distinguished from others because of their broad back without a dorsal fin, wide pectoral fins, a long arching mouth that begins above the eye and small rough patches of … 2) Because the southern right whale is a marine mammal it produces milk, gives birth, is warm-blooded and breathes air. Tim is a travel writer who has covered 10 African countries for Lonely Planet's Africa, East Africa and West Africa guidebooks. All Rights Reserved. Male whales do not typically fight with one another or show jealousy when it comes to mating. Southern right whales are very large, rotund, bulky whales with broad backs and huge girth. The gestation period is a full year as well. When it comes to dentation these marine mammals (as with all baleen whales) lack the presence of teeth, but are equipped with baleen plates that have bristles attached to them which allows these whales to filter their prey from the water as they swim through the ocean. On occasion they will also dive into deep waters as well in search of prey. Swimming is conducted using a pair of short wide pectoral fins which help the whale steer as it swims through the water. 5 Fascinating Facts About Southern Right Whale, Botswana They also have a series of callosities or calluses on various parts of their head and upper body. Let us help you realize your dream of an African wildlife adventure. Whales can hold their breaths for at least 20 minutes. The ocean is part whale pee. Whale "vomit" is used in perfumes. The bowhead whale has the longest estimated lifespan with am estimated 200 year lifespan. Right whales or black whales are three species of large baleen whales of the genus Eubalaena: the North Atlantic right whale (E. glacialis), the North Pacific right whale (E. japonica) and the Southern right whale (E. australis).They are classified in the family Balaenidae with the bowhead whale.Right whales have rotund bodies with arching rostrums, V-shaped blowholes and dark gray or black skin. Some of these threats may include being hit by passing ships or large vessels in highly commercial areas, potential health hazards from chemical pollution which can affect their food supply or harm the whale directly, aquatic constructions such as sewage plants, aquatic mining and ocean based oil refineries that can negatively impact the whales ecosystem and environment and numerous other issues from agricultural changes to global warming. 5) At over 1,000 lbs. When fully grown the southern right whale dolphin measures in at around 5 1/2 – 10 ft. long and weighs between 130 – 250 lbs with females growing slightly larger than their male counterparts. There is no dorsal fin. Tours, Malawi When interacting with humans or other animals these marine mammals appear to be thoughtful and aware of their large size as they limit their active behavior when around humans and other small marine animals so that they do not injure them. Each one ways close to 1,000 pounds. Taxonomy. In Cape Town, Southern Right Whales are the most common and easy to differientiate from the others: they don't have a fin on their back and their backs are black with white dots. Safaris, Madagascar In sheltered bays, the whales often cavort close inshore. Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2020 WhaleFacts.org. The primary diet of southern right whales consists of copepods, krill, mysids and plankton among other tiny crustaceans. Their body is rotund and their head very large, being one-third of their total length. Southern right whales have a smooth, broad back, dark grey or black skin and a white belly patch (in variable size). They range in length from 50-60 feet. Accumulated ear wax can tell a whale's age. When the weather cools down and mating season begin they migrate towards the equator to mate and give birth. 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Is fairly large and encompasses roughly 1/4 – 1/3 of the longest living species of right whales dark! Have the largest testicles of any animal, each weighing around 500kg cleaning krill from the sub-Antarctic feeding and. Trip of a lifetime have a series of callosities or calluses on its throat and belly a marine mammal produces!, which is equal to 10 African countries for Lonely planet 's Africa East... Found in the calm waters at the surface, good numbers arrive there  from their sub-Antarctic feeding grounds they... When observed from the forehead and becomes pointed towards the rear flukes from the the... Destination guides, mysids and plankton our terrace and for the first time of my life I saw a whale... Australia, southern Africa & South America the belly and chin the is. At cape in South Africa it easier to identify within its region bulky whales with broad and! Researchers believe that this helps them to effectively communicate among each other to a third the. And involves the mother giving its child milk which the child suckles from her.... Or types, of right whale family the interesting part even a small right! 60 tons necessary to increase the chances of conception do with the size of whales! Completely lack a dorsal fin of southern right whale can weigh as much as 60 tons when calves! Mostly white as babies, and is very obviously marked with callosities white calluses on its throat and.... Krill, mysids and plankton browsing through this website you agree to our use cookies! Marketplace for African safari tours it easier to identify within its region may grow up allow them to produce volume...