Southern Right Whale

Description:

Large (30 t0 59 tonnes)baleen whale, with characteristic "heart shaped" blow. Characteristic callosities of rough skin, particularly on the snout allow for individual identification. Migrate to the waters around the Western Cape coast of South Africa in winter to mate and calve. Hunted extensively in the past, now making significant comeback.

Habitat:

Limited to the colder waters of the Southern Ocean, migrating from the deep south to the coasts of South Africa, South America and Australia in the winter months.

Notes:

Thanks to the Simonstown Boat Company, for a trip to see these whales in False Bay , Cape Town.