A study conducted by an international team of marine mammal scientists has revealed that only 7% of male humpback whales near New Caledonia participate in reproduction. These findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, are based on 25 years of data, including photographs and genetic samples collected between 1995 and 2019.
Humpback whales migrate annually from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warm seas off New Caledonia to breed. However, researchers wondered whether paternity among the young whales was evenly distributed or concentrated among a few males.
Key Findings
Analyzing 995 genetic samples from adult males, the researchers identified paternity in 79 of 177 mother-offspring pairs. Surprisingly, only 7% of the males were responsible for siring offspring.
Why Does This Happen?
The scientists suggest that female humpback whales may select mates based on specific traits, such as the complexity of songs sung by males during the breeding season. These songs, which can last for hours, play a critical role in attracting females. However, only a few males perform the "right" song.
Interestingly, males who fathered one offspring were more likely to father others, indicating high competition and the dominance of a select few.
Significance of the Study
The findings highlight the importance of studying reproduction and mate selection in humpback whales, which could be a crucial aspect of conserving their populations. This research provides deeper insights into the genetic dynamics of these magnificent animals.