Balaenoptera omurai is known as Omura's whale and is one of the least known species of whales in the world. Now, researchers have studied around 25 individuals in Madagascar, noticing unique asymmetrical pigmentation on the head:
A - asymmetrical coloration of the lower jaw
B - asymmetrical coloration of the gape
C - leading edge of pectoral fin white from tip to shoulder
D - apparent absence of lateral rostral ridges
E - lightly pigmented blaze originating anterior to the eye
F - lightly pigmented chevron anterior to dorsal fin
The study will continue on whales' vocalizations, behavior and population characteristics.
Credit:
Images & video courtesy of Salvatore Cerchio
Omura’s whales (Balaenoptera omurai) off northwest Madagascar: ecology, behaviour and conservation needs
Salvatore Cerchio, Boris Andrianantenaina, Alec Lindsay, Melinda Rekdahl, Norbert Andrianarivelo, Tahina Rasoloarijao
Royal Society Open Science, 2015; DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150301
