Researchers have discovered that humpback whales change their songs during their travels, drawing inspiration from those of congeners they encounter. And there is a very precise place where the different populations converge, during the austral spring, it is the Kermadec Islands, in the north of New Zealand.
This is where our cetaceans are interested in the “hit of the year”. After recording songs in six wintering areas (from New Caledonia to the Cook Islands), our researchers found specific ways of singing, but many similarities.
Basically, they’re pretty much on the same melody. Then they focused on the ‘Annual Kermadec Humpback Whale Festival’ and obviously that’s…
Find the rest of “We learn every day” by clicking on the player at the top of this page or subscribe to the podcast for free.