Latest news with #Dusky
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Rare humpback birth in Kaikōura
Humpback mother supporting its new born calf in Kaikōura In a breathtaking display of nature's wonder, Wings Over Whales pilot Sam Hamill and his guests witnessed the remarkable birth of a humpback calf off the coast of Kaikōura. The event at the weekend marked a rare occurrence in this renowned whale-watching location, celebrated for its abundant marine life, particularly sperm whales, throughout the year. 'Kaikōura is a world-renowned area for year-round whale watching, typically of sperm whales,' explained Daniel Stevenson, owner of Wings Over Whales and South Pacific Helicopters. 'However, this time of year, we are on the humpback migration highway as they move from the cool Antarctic waters to New Caledonia to calve.' The calf's premature arrival was a surprise to all involved. Sam Hamill, who observed the birth during a morning flight, described the scene: 'It was a surprise; I had to do a double take. Humpbacks don't typically calve here in Kaikōura. We watched the mother supporting the calf from beneath and helping it along its way, with around a number of Dusky dolphins surrounding them.' While the waters off Kaikōura are known for various whale sightings, such as sperm whales and occasional Southern Right Whales giving birth, seeing a humpback calf born in these cooler waters is exceedingly rare. Historically, documented occurrences of whale births in Kaikōura include a notable humpback birth witnessed by Wings Over Whales pilots three years ago, as well as occasional Southern Right Whale births in the area. This unexpected event underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of marine life in Kaikōura, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and as a vital corridor for whale migration. Conservationists and marine enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this young whale's journey progresses in the coming months.
Otago Daily Times
15-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Rare humpback birth in Kaikoura
In a breathtaking display of nature's wonder, Wings Over Whales pilot Sam Hamill and his guests witnessed the remarkable birth of a humpback calf off the coast of Kaikoura. The event at the weekend marked a rare occurrence in this renowned whale-watching location, celebrated for its abundant marine life, particularly sperm whales, throughout the year. 'Kaikoura is a world-renowned area for year-round whale watching, typically of sperm whales,' explained Daniel Stevenson, owner of Wings Over Whales and South Pacific Helicopters. 'However, this time of year, we are on the humpback migration highway as they move from the cool Antarctic waters to New Caledonia to calve.' The calf's premature arrival was a surprise to all involved. Sam Hamill, who observed the birth during a morning flight, described the scene: 'It was a surprise; I had to do a double take. Humpbacks don't typically calve here in Kaikoura. We watched the mother supporting the calf from beneath and helping it along its way, with around a number of Dusky dolphins surrounding them.' While the waters off Kaikoura are known for various whale sightings, such as sperm whales and occasional Southern Right Whales giving birth, seeing a humpback calf born in these cooler waters is exceedingly rare. Historically, documented occurrences of whale births in Kaikoura include a notable humpback birth witnessed by Wings Over Whales pilots three years ago, as well as occasional Southern Right Whale births in the area. This unexpected event underscores the dynamic and unpredictable nature of marine life in Kaikoura, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and as a vital corridor for whale migration. Conservationists and marine enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this young whale's journey progresses in the coming months.
India Today
25-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
PM Modi chairs key meet with NDA Chief Ministers in Delhi
1:45 Each year, Dusky and Sandbar sharks migrate to the shallow waters off Hadera, Israel, drawn by warm currents from a coastal power station.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Watch: Humans swimming with sharks at Israeli beach after months of fatal attack causes concern
(Image credits: AP) Along the central coast of Israel, near the city of Hadera, black shark fins have become a regular sight during the colder months. Attracted by the warm water generated by the turbines of a nearby power station, these sharks—mainly Dusky and Sandbar species—gather close to shore between November and May. While the area has long drawn curious swimmers and nature enthusiasts, a tragic incident last month has sparked new concern. A man who got too close to the sharks was fatally attacked, with only his bones being recovered, news agency AFP reported. People crowding sharks may have led to attack on missing man off Israeli coast; AP explains The attack, believed to be the first of its kind in Israeli waters, has raised questions about safety and how to prevent such incidents in the future. Irene Nurit Cohn, a diver with the rescue group Zaka, said the sharks are generally not aggressive unless provoked. "Sharks do not harm and never normally attack unless they feel either threatened or if somebody's getting into their territory," she said. "People were touching them and disturbing them." She added that the increasing media coverage drew even more people to the beach, further worsening the situation. According to shark researcher Leigh Livine, who has been monitoring the site for four years, the sharks previously avoided direct contact with humans. However, with limited space, rising sea temperatures and harassment of humans, there has been an increase in the frequency of encounters. "You have a very, very small space that you see this human-wildlife conflict really coming out at certain times of the year," expressing shock at the recent attack. However, she was surprised that " something hasn't happened sooner."
