Whale Types and Migration
The freezing waters off Antarctica are the summer home for many whale species. While there, the whales feed on the rich supply of krill (small prawn-like animals). In autumn, as the temperature falls and ice starts to cover the sea, many of the large whale species begin a long and hard migration northward to the warm waters off the Australian coast. Humpback and southern right whales follow a similar route each year, and many females make the journey while pregnant so that they can give birth in Australian waters.
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Whale species found in Australian waters
·
8 species of baleen whales (Blue, Fin, Sei, Bryde's, Minke,
Humpback,
Southern Right, Pygmy);
· 35 species of toothed whale (including Sperm, Orca, Pilot, Melon, Strap