In the frigid, dark waters near the Commander Islands, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Bering Sea, marine scientists have been attracted by a strange phenomenon. Baird’s beaked whales (Berardius bairdii), known for their elusiveness in the deep sea, have been discovered frolicking in shallow waters, testing our perceptions of these enigmatic cetaceans.
Between 2008 and 2019, marine scientist Olga Filatova led a team from the University of Southern Denmark that achieved a ground-breaking discovery. Baird’s beaked whales, known for their deep-sea habitat, were consistently observed in waters shallower than 300 meters, defying expectations and prompting Filatova to state, “It is uncharacteristic for this species.”
A cetacean enigma revealed: the annual gathering of Baird’s Beaked whales
To solve this cetacean mystery, Filatova and her crew methodically documented the sightings, exhibiting a pattern that reveals more than just a deviation from the usual. Over 12 years, they discovered a population of 186 individual whales, with a core group of 79 known as the resident pod, which returned to the same place regularly. The remaining 107 were classified as transitory, appearing only once but exhibiting remarkable relationships.
Filatova notes, “The transients are not as familiar with local conditions as the residents… We observed some transients in the shallow area. These were individuals who had some form of social contact with the residents.”
Whale culture: a first look into beaked whales’ cultural traditions
This remarkable discovery centers on the concept of cetacean cultural traditions. Baird’s beaked whales, like orcas and dolphins, appear to communicate and acquire cultural habits. Filatova goes on to say, “It is the first time a cultural tradition has been observed among beaked whales.” The researchers assume that transients learn about the benefits of shallow waters through social interactions with the resident pod.
This discovery calls into question our knowledge of beaked whale behavior by demonstrating their ability to adapt to other cultures. Orcas, which are known for participating in social fads and exchanging hunting skills, provide an analogous example in the marine environment.
Implications for conservation: understanding the complexity of cetacean behavior
The conservation consequences become clearer as we learn more about Baird’s beaked whales. Filatova underscores the challenges in predicting the behavior of these animals, stating, “You cannot expect all individuals within a specific species to behave the same way.” This intricacy challenges conservation planning, underlining the importance of reevaluating assumptions regarding beaked whale habitats and behaviors.
A paradigm shift in cetacean studies
The surprising gatherings of Baird’s beaked whales in shallow seas reveal a hitherto unknown facet of their behavior while also challenging our usual understanding of these deep-sea creatures. As we explore the mysteries of the ocean, the discovery of cultural practices among beaked whales represents a paradigm change in cetacean research.
In an age of fast environmental change, this discovery prompts us to reevaluate our approach to species conservation. The trip into the depths of the ocean continues, revealing that the mysteries of marine life are considerably more complex and fascinating than we could have anticipated.
Source study: Animal Behaviour—Unusual use of shallow habitats may be evidence of a cultural tradition in Baird’s beaked whales
