This animal follows the most radical diet of nature

Each year, an invisible but titanic show takes place below the surface of the oceans. Consequently, The humpback whales migrate on thousands of kilometers, crossing the southern hemisphere in a silence loaded with effort. Moreover, This journey. however essential to their survival, is accompanied by a physiological upheaval which intrigues scientists: a loss of vertiginous weight, equivalent to more than third of their body mass, without their health being affected.

An extraordinary migration – This animal follows most radical

Bump whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are known for their bewitching songs and spectacular jumps. In addition, But behind this image of peaceful giants hides one of the most extreme survival strategy of the animal kingdom. Nevertheless, Each year. Consequently, they leave the frozen waters and rich in food from the Antarctic Peninsula to reach tropical waters, where they reproduce and give birth. Similarly, this animal follows most radical A trip of more than 8,000 kilometers … For example, without eating.

This prolonged fast, which can last up to two months, forces the animal to draw intensely from its fat reserves. Similarly, To better understand the effects of this migration on their bodies. a team of researchers from Griffith University, Australia, followed 103 whales thanks to a cutting -edge method: photogrammetry by drone. The data they have collected reveal a striking reality.

Lose 11 tonnes in two months. without danger – This animal follows most radical

The results of the study are clear: the humping whales lose up to 36 % of their body mass during their migration. This represents on average more than 11,000 kg of fat per individual, the combined weight of two adult elephants. A breathtaking metabolic performance. which would be equivalent in humans to lose more than 30 kg in less than two months – without causing muscle this animal follows most radical or organic degradation.

To reach such an energy reserve, whales must consume colossal quantities of Krill Antarctic: nearly 57,000 kg per season. In other words, some 28.5 million of these tiny crustaceans are necessary for a single whale to “refuel” before departure. This so -called “feast and fasting strategy” is unique by its extent and regularity.

A physiology cut for the extreme

Unlike humans, whale has a metabolism particularly well suited to the mobilization of its fats. Its adipose fabrics. much more dense and energetic than ours, are designed to release a large amount of calories without provoking deficiencies. The vital organs continue to operate normally. and the females can even give birth during this animal follows most radical the fasting period, proof of their incredible physiological robustness.

The energy spent during migration is equivalent to the calorie consumption of a human being over 60 years. However. the whales come out of it capable of reproducing, breastfeeding their young and leaving, several months later, to Antarctica to start this annual cycle again.

The threat hanging below the surface

But this survival strategy. as impressive as it is, is based on a fragile condition: the abundance of Krill. However. the populations of this small crustacean are in decline, affected by the rapid melting of the ice in Antarctica and the overexploitation of marine resources. This decline in Krill already has repercussions on other dependent species, such as jugular penguins or Papous penguins. But for whales. whose survival rests almost exclusively on these massive contributions before migration, the consequences could be much more dramatic.

The researchers point this animal follows most radical out that the whales arrive at the tropics in a state of advanced fatigue. counting on their reserves to survive and reproduce. If these reservations decrease. their fertility, the growth of the calves and even their ability to undertake the return trip could be compromised.

When the technology sheds light on the seas giants

This study. published in the journal Marine Mammal Sciencealso illustrates how technology makes it possible to better understand the behavior of animals that are difficult to observe. Thanks to drone imaging. scientists can now precisely measure the evolution of the physical condition of these marine mammals over several months, without disturbing them.

These data are precious for biologists, but also for conservation policies. By clearly identifying the link between the health of whales. the availability of the Krill, the researchers highlight an ecosystem of extreme sensitivity to climate change.