26/09/2024
๐ป๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ "๐พ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐" ๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐
During this time, we witness calves being born and nurtured until they grow strong enough to embark on their journey to deeper, colder waters.
Have you been here yet to witness this amazing annual event?
Our family duet offers the perfect stay for the occasion. Bring the family and your four-footed friend is also welcome.
Find our listing online or contact Adri on 076 550 6806 to book directly..
Credit to DRONE FANATICS SA for this stunning photo
The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) is a large baleen whale species found primarily in the Southern Hemisphere. Here are some key facts:
Characteristics:
- Size:
They grow up to 15-18 meters (49-59 feet) in length and can weigh up to 80 tons.
- Body:
These whales are mostly black or dark gray with occasional white patches on their undersides. They have a distinct, large head that makes up about a quarter of their body length.
- Callosities:
One of their distinguishing features is the rough, wart-like patches of skin called callosities on their heads, which are unique to each individual and used for identification.
- No dorsal fin:
Unlike many other whales, they do not have a dorsal fin.
- Blowholes:
They have two blowholes, which create a distinctive V-shaped spout when they exhale.
Behavior:
- Breaching and sailing:
Southern right whales are known for breaching (jumping out of the water) and "sailing," where they stick their large tail flukes out of the water.
- Slow swimmers: They are relatively slow swimmers, reaching speeds of around 8 km/h (5 mph).
- Lifespan:
These whales can live up to 70 years.
# # # Migration and Habitat:
- Range:
Southern right whales are found in temperate waters, with breeding grounds near the coasts of South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. They migrate to sub-Antarctic waters for feeding during the summer.
- Breeding season:
They breed in shallow, sheltered bays between June and November.
# # # Conservation:
- Protection:
Historically, southern right whales were heavily hunted for their oil and blubber, almost leading to their extinction. Today, they are protected under international law, and their populations are slowly recovering.
- Threats:
Modern threats include ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change impacting their food sources.
These whales are often seen along the coasts during the migration season, making them popular for whale watching in places like Hermanus, South Africa, and the Valdรฉs Peninsula in Argentina.
