Brindle Southern Right Whale Calf | South Africa

About 4% of southern right whale calves are born with white and black pigmentation. These are referred to as brindle calves, and are always male. As they mature, these calves darken, but never turn completely dark. The contrast in pigmentation and the characteristic dark patterns on their bodies make these individuals easy to identify. About 6% of the southern right population have a partial brindle pattern. All of the partial brindle animals are female. Photographed with the permission of the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: brindle-calf-southern-right-whale-eubalaena-australis-201507-08355.tif
Copyright: Copyright Tony Wu. All rights reserved. No duplication, reproduction or usage without prior written permission.
Image Size: 4862x3241 / 45.1MB; https://www.photoshelter.com/support/license#rm; https://www.tony-wu.com/contact-tony-wu; Whale Southern Right Whale Animalia Chordata Mammalia Eutheria Cetacea Cetartiodactyla Mysticeti Balaenidae Eubalaena australis Marine Mammal Baleen Whale Filter Feeder Mysticete Calf Brindle CITES Appendix 1 Least Concern: IUCN Red List Indian Ocean South Africa Andazi Ekweetnie
Contained in galleries: Southern Right Whales, Marine Life | South Africa

About 4% of southern right whale calves are born with white and black pigmentation. These are referred to as brindle calves, and are always male. As they mature, these calves darken, but never turn completely dark. The contrast in pigmentation and the characteristic dark patterns on their bodies make these individuals easy to identify. About 6% of the southern right population have a partial brindle pattern. All of the partial brindle animals are female. Photographed with the permission of the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa.