Show Navigation

Female Humpback Whale with Calf and Multiple Escorts | Vava'u, Tonga

Adult female humpback whale with calf. This mother and calf pair were surrounded and being pursued by at least four escort whales. The frenzy of males associated with this female and calf was reminiscent of a similar situation I encountered with the mother of the injured calf Tahafa (201114) in 2011. There was a long-term association between that that female/ calf and an escort. At one point, many males converged upon and assailed the escort, engaging in heavy physical contact. The next day, all the males, including the long-term escort, disappeared. Having seen this pattern of behavior a few times, I believe this may indicate estrus or similar state of reproductive receptivity by the adult female.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download
Filename
humpback-whale-female-and-calf-tonga-201308-0175.tif
Copyright
Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No usage or reproduction in any form without prior written consent.
Image Size
6704x4469 / 85.8MB
https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm
https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu
Humpback Whale Animalia Chordata Mammalia Eutheria Cetacea Mysticeti Balaenopteridae Megaptera novaeangliae Cetartiodactyla Baleen Whale CITES Appendix 1 Filter Feeder Endangered: IUCN Red List Marine Mammal Mysticete Rorqual Calf Mother and Calf Escort South Pacific Tonga Vava'u
Contained in galleries
Humpback Whales Underwater
Adult female humpback whale with calf. This mother and calf pair were surrounded and being pursued by at least four escort whales. The frenzy of males associated with this female and calf was reminiscent of a similar situation I encountered with the mother of the injured calf Tahafa (201114) in 2011. There was a long-term association between that that female/ calf and an escort. At one point, many males converged upon and assailed the escort, engaging in heavy physical contact. The next day, all the males, including the long-term escort, disappeared. Having seen this pattern of behavior a few times, I believe this may indicate estrus or similar state of reproductive receptivity by the adult female.
Info
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Tony Wu Underwater Photography

  • Search Image Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • View Portfolio
  • Read About Me
  • Send Me a Note
  • Portfolio