Video about the Humpback Whale and the 5 largest whales in the world

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Baleia Jubarte - Caracteristicas04:24

5 maiores Baleias do Mundo04:38

Abrolhos Marine National Park — the main nursery in the western South Atlantic

The Abrolhos Marine National Park (Decree No. 88,218/1983) is the main breeding ground for humpback whales in the western South Atlantic. Located in the far south of Bahia, off the coast of Caravelas, Abrolhos comprises volcanic islands and coral reefs that serve as a breeding and nursing ground between June and November.

See the map of the Whale Coast

Season and best months for whale watching

In Brazil, humpback whales arrive between June and November; many research centres and whale-watching programmes indicate that July to November is the period with the highest level of breeding activity and the widest range of tours on offer. For the best chance of a sighting, opt for trips between July and October.

Where to see humpback whales along the Brazilian coast

• Bahia: Abrolhos Bank (Caravelas) — the main nursery.
• Espírito Santo: areas near Vitória and Regência.
• São Paulo: Ilhabela, Cananéia and Ubatuba.
• Rio de Janeiro: Arraial do Cabo and the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state.

Local tour operators and the Humpback Whale Project offer whale-watching tours with protocols designed to minimise impact.

Reproduction, birth and longevity

Gestation period of ~11 months; calves are born measuring ~4–5 m and remain close to their mother for 6–12 months. Average interval between births ~2 years. Life expectancy generally >40 years.

Behaviour and song

Humpback whales exhibit (breaching), fin slaps and tail slaps, and frequently approach boats out of curiosity. The males’ song is complex and repetitive, varying between populations and changing over the years.

Feeding

They feed on krill, copepods and small fish in cold waters. Some populations use cooperative strategies, such as bubble-net feeding, to concentrate prey.

Natural predators and threats

Occasional predators include orcas and false orcas; sharks may pose a local threat. The main anthropogenic threats are entanglement in fishing nets, collisions with vessels, marine pollution, habitat degradation, the impacts of oil and gas activities, and poorly managed whale-watching tourism.

Individual identification and monitoring

Photographs of the tail fins (flukes) and markings on the dorsal fin act as ‘fingerprints’ to identify individuals and monitor movements, reproduction and survival.

Best practices for whale-watching (responsible whale-watching)

• Choose accredited operators who follow local protocols.
• Maintain a safe distance (observe local regulations and limits — e.g. ≈100 m where applicable).
• Avoid repeated manoeuvres and sudden changes in speed.
• Do not feed or touch the animals.

Important correction regarding population estimates

Population estimates vary by study; older figures (~12,000 in the Southern Hemisphere) may be out of date. Recent studies indicate higher estimates depending on the stock and method used. It is recommended to cite up-to-date sources when publishing numerical data.

Conclusion

The humpback whale is a symbol of marine recovery and conservation, but it depends on protected areas such as Abrolhos and on sustainable tourism and fishing practices. Updated content, optimised images and the author’s credentials increase the potential for higher search engine rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Source/summary of references used: NOAA Fisheries, IWC, the Humpback Whale Project, ICMBio and scientific literature on behaviour and feeding.

Bahia.ws — Tourist Guide to Bahia, Salvador and the North-East