Researchers say they have achieved a world first off the east coast of Australia: the birth of a humpback whale calf has been filmed by a drone for the first time.
The rare footage was captured on Tuesday off the coast of Kingscliff in the state of New South Wales and is now set to be analysed scientifically, broadcaster ABC reported, citing scientists involved in the project.
Drone pilot Alex Forrest, from the whale protection organization ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia), had been observing a female humpback whale that was moving noticeably more slowly than the rest of her group.
He suddenly saw a red cloud in the water and initially thought a predator was attacking, ABC reported. It was only when the calf rose to the surface that he realized he had witnessed a birth, the broadcaster cited Forrest as saying.
"I hope this footage can contribute to the very little known about humpback whale birthing," ABC quoted him as saying.
According to ORRCA, this is only the fourth time a humpback whale birth has ever been filmed - and the first time using a drone. The footage was captured from a distance of more than 100 metres, in line with Australian wildlife protection regulations.
Marine biologist Vanessa Pirotta of Macquarie University described it as a "magical moment" involving an animal that can live for more than 80 years.
"The fact that baby knew exactly what to do, which was to rise to the surface, was a very special moment," she said. On the platform X, the expert wrote that she had never seen footage like this before.
Experts said the find could also call into question previous assumptions about the reproduction of the marine mammals. It had long been assumed that humpback whales give birth exclusively in tropical waters. The birth off the coast of New South Wales now suggests that this may not always be the case.
Thousands of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are currently on their annual migration along the Australian east coast towards warmer waters in the north, where they mate and give birth to their calves. The enormous marine mammals, measuring up to 17 metres in length and weighing up to 40 tonnes, are among the largest animals on Earth.
The best time for anyone in Sydney to spot both mothers and their calves is generally from mid-August to November. Because the calves need to rest often, the pace is slower — and the whales tend to stay closer to the coast.
Although whales are often visible from the beach, many visitors opt for boat tours to get an even closer look.
Boats leave several times a day from Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, offering two-and-a-half-hour trips for $55 to $90 AUD. Most tours spot whales — and if not, many operators offer a second trip free of charge.