Description

The Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) is a majestic and easily identifiable marine mammal, frequently seen off the coast of Cape Agulhas. These large, black, stocky whales can reach lengths of up to 17 meters and weigh between 80 and 90 tonnes. Unique among large whales, they lack a dorsal fin and have short, blunt, paddle-shaped flippers. One of their most distinctive features is the white callosities on their broad heads, which form unique patterns for each individual. These callosities enable researchers to gather vital life history information. The whale’s slow-moving behaviour and distinctive appearance make it unmistakable and fascinating to observe.

Distribution, Habitat, and Status

Southern Right Whales inhabit the southern and sub-Antarctic oceans. During the winter breeding season, they migrate to warmer temperate waters, including those around the southern parts of Africa, such as the waters off Cape Agulhas. Historical whaling significantly reduced their numbers, as their habit of staying in bays and sheltered coastal areas made them easy targets. Fortunately, with strong conservation efforts, their population is gradually increasing, and they are returning to their former habitats, including the waters off Cape Agulhas.

Feeding Habits

Southern Right Whales are filter feeders, using their long, narrow, finely meshed baleen plates to capture prey, typically copepods and krill. Unlike some other baleen whales, they do not perform dramatic feeding displays but instead skim through swarms of prey with their mouths open, efficiently filtering out their food.

Breeding

Southern Right Whales give birth every three to five years. A single calf is born after a 12-month gestation period and is weaned within a year. The warm, sheltered waters of the Cape Agulhas region provide an ideal environment for these whales to give birth and nurture their young.

Southern Right Whales in Cape Agulhas

Why Cape Agulhas?

The warm waters of Cape Agulhas offer a safe and nurturing environment for newborn whale calves, making it a preferred calving ground for Southern Right Whales.

Longevity

While precise data is scarce, it is believed that Southern Right Whales can live up to 100 years.

Calving Facts

A newborn whale calf is generally about a quarter of its mother’s length and weighs 3-4% of her total weight.

Migration Patterns

During their annual migration, these whales feed in the nutrient-rich sub-Antarctic waters and breed in the temperate waters of regions like Cape Agulhas. They follow a pattern similar to capital breeders like penguins, feeding at one time of the year and breeding at another.

Monitoring and Research

Southern Right Whale monitoring in South Africa began in 1969, spearheaded by Peter Best. The Whale Unit at the University of Pretoria maintains one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive whale monitoring databases. Annual aerial surveys follow the whales’ migration route, cataloging over 2,322 individual whales.

Breeding Intervals and Population Growth

The interval between births has increased from every three years to every four to five years. The Southern Right Whale population is currently growing at an estimated rate of 6.3% per year.

Seasonal Visits

Southern Right Whales visit the Cape South Coast from June to the end of November, offering a prime opportunity for whale watching.

Breathing Mist

The mist plume seen when whales exhale is not seawater but their hot breath condensing in the colder air.

Behavioural Displays

Tail slapping can indicate aggression in females or be a display behaviour in males.

Diet and Ecological Role

Southern Right Whales primarily eat krill, small crustaceans, and are known as “ecosystem engineers” for their role in redistributing nutrients and maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.

Coloration

Mostly black, these whales were historically called “black whales” by early whalers. Many have white blazes on their bellies, with patterns varying from small spots to large irregular markings. Some have a “brindle” pattern, where calves are born almost completely white with black speckles, and 94% of these brindle whales are male.

Best Whale Watching Spots in Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world. From June to November, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Southern Right Whales as they migrate, calve, and nurse their young. Some of the top spots to watch these magnificent creatures include:

• Cape Agulhas Lighthouse: Offering panoramic views of the ocean, this historic lighthouse is a perfect vantage point for spotting whales.
• Arniston: Known for its picturesque coastline and serene environment, Arniston is an excellent location for whale watching.
• Struisbaai: With its long, sandy beach, Struisbaai provides ample opportunities to see whales close to shore.
• L’Agulhas: The southernmost tip of Africa offers stunning coastal views and frequent whale sightings during the season.
• Koppie Alleen: Located within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, Koppie Alleen is one of the most significant whale watching spots. It offers a unique vantage point to observe the whales in their natural habitat. This spot is renowned for its proximity to the whales, often allowing for breathtaking close-up views.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the fascinating behaviours and awe-inspiring presence of Southern Right Whales in the beautiful, serene waters of Cape Agulhas.