Two humpback whales set a migratory record by traveling 14,200 kilometers between Brazil and Australia, according to a study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
The finding, led by biologist Cristina Castro from the Pacific Whale Foundation, documents for the first time a movement between two breeding areas separated by entire ocean basins.
Unique Identification
Each humpback whale has a unique pattern on the underside of its tail, equivalent to a fingerprint. Researchers analyzed 19,283 photographs taken between 1984 and 2005 in Australia and Latin America using image recognition algorithms, verifying visual matches.
- One whale was seen in 2007 in Hervey Bay (Australia) and reappeared in 2019 off São Paulo (Brazil).
- The other was photographed in 2003 in Bahia (Brazil) and redetected in 2025 in Hervey Bay, 15,100 km away.
Comparison with Previous Records
The previous record was held by a humpback whale that traveled 13,046 km between Colombia and Zanzibar.
This new record greatly exceeds known distances and raises questions about the flexibility of migratory routes.
Hypotheses on Behavior
Researchers suggest several explanations for these exceptional journeys:
- Oceanographic changes that alter migratory corridors.
- Disturbances in origin areas, prompting exploration of new areas.
- Food availability, which could motivate detours.
- Possible historical exchanges more frequent than previously thought.
Impact on Genetic and Cultural Diversity
These movements could enhance the genetic diversity of humpback whale populations and also influence their song, considered a form of animal culture:
- Males produce long and complex songs.
- A new “musical phrase” can spread throughout the population in one season.
- Exchange between breeding areas could introduce unprecedented cultural variations.
Characteristics of Humpback Whale Migration
- Colossal distances: between 5,000 and 8,000 km per journey, with records exceeding 10,000 km.
- Nutrition vs. reproduction: they feed in cold polar waters during summer and reproduce in warm tropical waters in winter.
- Oceanic routes: they follow coastal corridors that often intersect with maritime traffic, increasing risks.
- Cultural learning: mothers teach the routes to their calves, transmitting vital knowledge.
The record journey of these humpback whales between Brazil and Australia redefines what we know about cetacean migration.
Beyond the physical feat, the finding opens new perspectives on resilience, genetic diversity, and animal culture, showing how the oceans continue to hold secrets about the lives of their giants.
