Two rare and stunning southern right whales, distinguished by their brilliant white colouring, were recently captured on camera off the coast of Hartenbos in the Western Cape.
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For Michael de Nobrega, the day was full of anticipation as he ventured out with his camera, driven by a love for the outdoors.
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What he captured in the blue waters left him captivated: a dazzling white southern right whale, Snowflake, rising from the depths.
According to News24, southern right whales are typically dark black or grey, often with a distinct white patch on their bellies.
However, the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute mentions that these whales can exhibit up to six different colour patterns.
Little did Nobrega know, another giant lingered beneath the surface.
‘When I saw the second whale, Snow White, I initially thought it was Snowflake. I noticed the differences and realised it was a second white whale. I was so excited and overjoyed at that moment,’ said De Nobrega.
De Nobrega used his Mavic 3 Pro Drone with a zoom lens to capture videos and images from a safe distance.
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Research manager of the whale unit at the University of Pretoria’s Mammal Research Institute, Dr Els Vermeulen, states that each year approximately 3.5% of newborn calves along the South African coast are born with this colouration.
Vermeulen and her team have started using satellite tags to monitor the migratory patterns of southern right whales, with a particular focus on their feeding destinations.
Researchers have observed that female southern right whales in this population are becoming thinner.
‘This trend, coupled with prolonged calving intervals and delayed migrations, points to a lack of energy and food. This results in significant changes in the number of calves born in different years.’
‘After calving in South Africa, the whales migrate south to the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, where they feed for six months before returning,’ Vermeulen said.
‘Southern right whales act as ecological vanguards. Their rarity serves as a vital indicator of the health and changes in our oceans.’
‘Since 2014, the number of southern right whale calves has fluctuated dramatically. In 2016, there was an extreme low, with only 50 calves recorded. In contrast, 2018 and 2023 saw an all-time high with over 700 calves born.’
Fluctuations in whale numbers in the country are linked to lengthening calving intervals, from the normal three years to four or five years in some cases.
Historically hunted by the whaling industry, southern right whales are now protected and recovering.
However, they still face significant threats from climate change and dwindling food sources.
De Nobrega said encountering a white southern right whale is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience for many marine enthusiasts.
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Picture: Michael de Nobrega / Facebook