Thanks to humans, more than one fifth of the "magnificent" migratory species on Earth are facing an extinction threat. As per a landmark, United Nations report released on Monday (Feb 12), migratory species across the globe are under threat.

<h2>A wake up call</h2>

The first-ever State of the World's Migratory Species assessment by the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), found that one in five species is threatened with extinction.&nbsp;

The report focused on the 1,189 species covered by a 1979 UN convention to protect migratory animals. It found that about 44 per cent of them are also witnessing their populations decline. Additionally, about 22 per cent could vanish altogether.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-customs-sniffer-dog-finds-mummified-monkey-inside-passengers-luggage-at-boston-logan-airport-689473">US: Custom's sniffer dog finds mummified monkeys inside passenger's luggage at Boston Logan Airport</a>

As per the report findings, 70 CMS-listed species have become more endangered. This includes the steppe eagle, Egyptian vulture, and the wild camel.&nbsp;

In a conversation with AFP, CMS chief Amy Fraenkel said that they "are finding out the phenomenon of migration itself is under threat."

The report should be a "wake up call about what's happening," she added.

These numbers are based on assessments and data provided by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as the Living Planet Index.&nbsp;

<h2>Who's behind this?</h2>

As per the report, humans are to blame. Our species activities like destruction or breaking of habitats, hunting, fishing, plastic pollution, overuse of chemicals and light, noise pollution pose the biggest threat — impacting 70 per cent of the species on the UN list. Up to 75 per cent of the species are affected by habitat loss.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shark-attacks-doubled-in-2023-finds-study-687567">Shark attacks doubled in 2023, finds study</a>

Furthermore, climate change also messes up migration routes and timings by altering seasonal conditions.

The report has been released ahead of a conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from February 12 to 17 for the Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14). There, 130 signatory countries — with the notable absence of the United States, China, Canada, and Russia will meet for their once every three years meet to review new species to add to its watchlist. Among the animals being considered at this week's meeting will be the giant Amazon catfish.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thanks to humans, more than one fifth of the "magnificent" migratory species on Earth are facing an extinction threat. As per a landmark, United Nations report released on Monday (Feb 12), migratory species across the globe are under threat.

Thanks to humans, more than one fifth of the "magnificent" migratory species on Earth are facing an extinction threat. As per a landmark, United Nations report released on Monday (Feb 12), migratory species across the globe are under threat. A wake up call The first-ever State of the World's Migratory Species assessment by the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), found that one in five species is threatened with extinction. The report focused on the 1,189 species covered by a 1979 UN convention to protect migratory animals. It found that about 44 per cent of them are also witnessing their populations decline. Additionally, about 22 per cent could vanish altogether. Also read | US: Custom's sniffer dog finds mummified monkeys inside passenger's luggage at Boston Logan Airport As per the report findings, 70 CMS-listed species have become more endangered. This includes the steppe eagle, Egyptian vulture, and the wild camel. In a conversation with AFP, CMS chief Amy Fraenkel said that they "are finding out the phenomenon of migration itself is under threat." The report should be a "wake up call about what's happening," she added. These numbers are based on assessments and data provided by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as well as the Living Planet Index. Who's behind this? As per the report, humans are to blame. Our species activities like destruction or breaking of habitats, hunting, fishing, plastic pollution, overuse of chemicals and light, noise pollution pose the biggest threat — impacting 70 per cent of the species on the UN list. Up to 75 per cent of the species are affected by habitat loss. Also read | Shark attacks doubled in 2023, finds study Furthermore, climate change also messes up migration routes and timings by altering seasonal conditions. The report has been released ahead of a conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from February 12 to 17 for the Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (COP14). There, 130 signatory countries — with the notable absence of the United States, China, Canada, and Russia will meet for their once every three years meet to review new species to add to its watchlist. Among the animals being considered at this week's meeting will be the giant Amazon catfish. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Wake up call’: First-of-its-kind UN report finds 22% migratory animals face extinction, thanks to humans

In a remarkable encounter near Koh He in Phuket, passengers aboard the boat 'Happy Ours'&nbsp;found themselves in the presence of a rarely seen marine marvel: a white Omura's whale. Little did they know that they might have been among the first in the world to witness this extraordinary sight. Marine biologists later confirmed this unprecedented occurrence.

<h2>Possible world’s first-ever sighting</h2>

Marine biologist and Kasetsart University lecturer Thon Thamrongnawasawat expressed his excitement on Facebook, stating that the detailed information provided by the observers strongly suggested that it was indeed an Omura's whale.

This revelation sparked the possibility that this could be the world's first-ever sighting of a white Omura's whale, a species known for its elusiveness.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/disaster-is-coming-panic-in-thailand-after-fishermen-caught-earthquake-fish-677201">Also read |&nbsp;‘Disaster is coming,’ Panic in Thailand after fishermen caught ‘earthquake fish’</a>

<h2>Omura's whale vs&nbsp;Bruda whale</h2>

Distinguishing between Omura's whales and Bruda whales can be challenging, but Professor Thon shed light on a key difference while speaking to the Bangkok Post.&nbsp;Omura's whales exhibit a single defined ridge on the front of their heads, whereas Bruda whales feature three. This crucial detail helped confirm the identity of the spotted whale.

Watch the video here:

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About nine&nbsp;kilometres&nbsp;south of the Koh He coast, a person&nbsp;on the 'Happy Ours' boat spotted two Omura's whales at approximately 4 pm on New Year's Day.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-seeks-public-opinion-as-it-moves-to-ban-recreational-cannabis-use-after-historic-decriminalisation-678708">Also read |&nbsp;Thailand seeks public opinion as it moves to ban recreational cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation</a>

Omura's whales, classified as a rare species primarily inhabiting Southeast Asian seas and waters south of Japan, have occasionally been sighted in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

However, they are more commonly observed in the Andaman Sea. Professor Thon emphasised the rarity of a white Omura's whale, describing the probability of such an encounter as about one in 10 million or even more.

Also watch |&nbsp;Myanmar nationals residing in Japan, Thailand to pay income tax: Junta's new rule

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In a separate incident near Phi Phi island, a group of tourists reported a 7-metre&nbsp;white whale. Authorities are currently working to verify the species. Recognising the significance of these rare sightings, authorities are urging caution among tour boats and vessels navigating areas where Omura's whales are present.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a remarkable encounter near Koh He in Phuket, passengers aboard the boat 'Happy Ours' found themselves in the presence of a rarely seen marine marvel: a white Omura's whale.

In a remarkable encounter near Koh He in Phuket, passengers aboard the boat 'Happy Ours' found themselves in the presence of a rarely seen marine marvel: a white Omura's whale. Little did they know that they might have been among the first in the world to witness this extraordinary sight. Marine biologists later confirmed this unprecedented occurrence. Possible world’s first-ever sighting Marine biologist and Kasetsart University lecturer Thon Thamrongnawasawat expressed his excitement on Facebook, stating that the detailed information provided by the observers strongly suggested that it was indeed an Omura's whale. This revelation sparked the possibility that this could be the world's first-ever sighting of a white Omura's whale, a species known for its elusiveness. Also read | ‘Disaster is coming,’ Panic in Thailand after fishermen caught ‘earthquake fish’ Omura's whale vs Bruda whale Distinguishing between Omura's whales and Bruda whales can be challenging, but Professor Thon shed light on a key difference while speaking to the Bangkok Post. Omura's whales exhibit a single defined ridge on the front of their heads, whereas Bruda whales feature three. This crucial detail helped confirm the identity of the spotted whale. Watch the video here: × About nine kilometres south of the Koh He coast, a person on the 'Happy Ours' boat spotted two Omura's whales at approximately 4 pm on New Year's Day. Also read | Thailand seeks public opinion as it moves to ban recreational cannabis use, after historic decriminalisation Omura's whales, classified as a rare species primarily inhabiting Southeast Asian seas and waters south of Japan, have occasionally been sighted in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. However, they are more commonly observed in the Andaman Sea. Professor Thon emphasised the rarity of a white Omura's whale, describing the probability of such an encounter as about one in 10 million or even more. Also watch | Myanmar nationals residing in Japan, Thailand to pay income tax: Junta's new rule In a separate incident near Phi Phi island, a group of tourists reported a 7-metre white whale. Authorities are currently working to verify the species. Recognising the significance of these rare sightings, authorities are urging caution among tour boats and vessels navigating areas where Omura's whales are present. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Rare albino whale spotted for the first time in Thailand

California volunteers are facing a serious challenge as marine animals are washing up on beaches after being affected by domoic acid poisoning. Domoic acid is a fatal neurotoxin produced by algae and is a vital food source for the sea lion's diet.

Acid poisoning is killing marine animals in California

The carcass of a humongous 30-tonne fin whale that died on the beach of England's Bridlington has been removed via an operation by the local council. The cleanup operation, as per the Guardian, has been described as the "largest of its kind" the local council has ever carried out.

As per reports, the massive whale died&nbsp;after being beached. Videos of its last moments as it struggled to go back into the water have been making the rounds on the internet. All attempts to return it to the sea also failed.

Watch it here:

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Not something I ever thought I’d see in Bridlington. A 52ft fin whale stranded on the beach! Unfortunately too large to try refloat &amp; lost its life not long after this. <a href="https://t.co/uHsL3DhPLW">pic.twitter.com/uHsL3DhPLW</a>
— 🐵sockmonkeysteph 🐵 (@StephJS) <a href="https://twitter.com/StephJS/status/1653525172215767043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Talking to ITV, John Bennett, who was one of the first people to see the stranded whale on Tuesday said: "You could see that it was still alive, it was still blowing water out of its hole and you could see the tail flapping. It was obviously in some kind of distress. I found out this morning they weren’t able to save it."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-day-another-carcass-in-bali-massive-sickly-whale-beaches-itself-dies-third-case-this-month-580776">Another day, another carcass | In Bali, massive 'sickly' whale beaches itself, dies; third case this month</a>

"You don’t expect to see anything like it, especially in Bridlington. Sad to see it like this but, wow, what a thing to see – it’s amazing," he added.

Once it died on Tuesday, the fin whale reportedly became a sort of macabre tourist attraction.&nbsp;Bridlington’s South Beach saw a huge number of visitors, many of whom travelled miles just to see the 55 feet (17 metres) whale carcass and click selfies with it.&nbsp;

To keep crowds away, security staff had to be deployed which was put in place on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/isolated-for-over-a-decade-worlds-loneliest-whale-kiska-dies-in-canada-after-40-years-of-captivity-571080">Isolated for over a decade, world’s ‘loneliest whale’, Kiska, dies in Canada after 40 years of captivity</a>

There were also concerns about the body becoming a target of thieves wanting to benefit from the illegal trade of the dead mammal's body parts.&nbsp;

Whales are protected species and the sale, and purchase of their body parts is a lucrative business. In 2020, the jaw bones of a pod of sperm whales that died on the North Yorkshire coast were stolen overnight.

In most cases, the bodies of beached whales get washed away by tides, but on occasions, the carcasses have been known to bloat due to decomposition and eventually explode.

To avoid a risk to public safety and the theft of the whale's body parts, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council undertook the removal operation. Amid concerns that the carcass will have to be dissected to be removed, the council managed to remove it whole.

Watch |&nbsp;Massive sperm whale dies after beaching itself on Bali beach

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As per the Guardian, council workers used diggers with tracks and other heavy lifting equipment to pick up the carcass and moved it to a large flatbed truck for transportation.&nbsp;

Zoologists are not sure about the whale's cause of death. It is believed to be a juvenile male fin whale. The mammoth species — the second largest animal after blue whales — is found in deeper oceans and is rarely seen in the shallow waters of the North Sea. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

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The carcass of a humongous 30-tonne fin whale that died on the beach of England's Bridlington has been removed via an operation by the local council. The cleanup operation, as per the Guardian, has been described as the "largest of its kind" the local council has ever carried out.

The carcass of a humongous 30-tonne fin whale that died on the beach of England's Bridlington has been removed via an operation by the local council. The cleanup operation, as per the Guardian, has been described as the "largest of its kind" the local council has ever carried out. As per reports, the massive whale died after being beached. Videos of its last moments as it struggled to go back into the water have been making the rounds on the internet. All attempts to return it to the sea also failed. Watch it here: Not something I ever thought I’d see in Bridlington. A 52ft fin whale stranded on the beach! Unfortunately too large to try refloat & lost its life not long after this. pic.twitter.com/uHsL3DhPLW — 🐵sockmonkeysteph 🐵 (@StephJS) May 2, 2023 × Talking to ITV, John Bennett, who was one of the first people to see the stranded whale on Tuesday said: "You could see that it was still alive, it was still blowing water out of its hole and you could see the tail flapping. It was obviously in some kind of distress. I found out this morning they weren’t able to save it." Also read | Another day, another carcass | In Bali, massive 'sickly' whale beaches itself, dies; third case this month "You don’t expect to see anything like it, especially in Bridlington. Sad to see it like this but, wow, what a thing to see – it’s amazing," he added. Once it died on Tuesday, the fin whale reportedly became a sort of macabre tourist attraction. Bridlington’s South Beach saw a huge number of visitors, many of whom travelled miles just to see the 55 feet (17 metres) whale carcass and click selfies with it. To keep crowds away, security staff had to be deployed which was put in place on Wednesday. Also read | Isolated for over a decade, world’s ‘loneliest whale’, Kiska, dies in Canada after 40 years of captivity There were also concerns about the body becoming a target of thieves wanting to benefit from the illegal trade of the dead mammal's body parts. Whales are protected species and the sale, and purchase of their body parts is a lucrative business. In 2020, the jaw bones of a pod of sperm whales that died on the North Yorkshire coast were stolen overnight. In most cases, the bodies of beached whales get washed away by tides, but on occasions, the carcasses have been known to bloat due to decomposition and eventually explode. To avoid a risk to public safety and the theft of the whale's body parts, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council undertook the removal operation. Amid concerns that the carcass will have to be dissected to be removed, the council managed to remove it whole. Watch | Massive sperm whale dies after beaching itself on Bali beach As per the Guardian, council workers used diggers with tracks and other heavy lifting equipment to pick up the carcass and moved it to a large flatbed truck for transportation. Zoologists are not sure about the whale's cause of death. It is believed to be a juvenile male fin whale. The mammoth species — the second largest animal after blue whales — is found in deeper oceans and is rarely seen in the shallow waters of the North Sea. An autopsy will be carried out to determine the cause of death. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Carcass turns macabre tourist attraction; crowds throng England beach to click selfies with dead whale

For the third time this month, people in Bali were met with the sight of a whale carcass. On Sunday, conservation officials announced that another massive whale has died after washing up on the shores of a Bali beach. This is the third such incident in little more than a week. As per officials, the latest specimen is a 56-foot-long (or 17-metre-long) male sperm whale. It was found stranded on Yeh Leh beach in west Bali's Jembrana district on Saturday afternoon. While the cause of death is still unknown, speaking to AFP a local marine and fisheries official shared suspicions that the mammal might've died of sickness "just like the whale found stranded a few days ago."

Watch |&nbsp;Massive sperm whale dies after beaching itself on Bali beach

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"The body looked skinny and sickly," said Permana Yudiarso, the&nbsp;local marine and fisheries official.

Yudiarso told AFP that they were trying to pull the carcass to the shore.

"We are currently trying to pull the carcass to the shore to make it easier for the necropsy test and we will bury it after the test is concluded," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/isolated-for-over-a-decade-worlds-loneliest-whale-kiska-dies-in-canada-after-40-years-of-captivity-571080">Isolated for over a decade, world’s ‘loneliest whale’, Kiska, dies in Canada after 40 years of captivity</a>

The necropsy test as per AFP will take around three weeks. However, forensic experts have identified bleeding in the sperm whale's lungs, its colon was found to be filled with fluids.

Police have reportedly cordoned off the area around the massive whale. This has been done to prevent people from stealing its meat or body parts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-advocate-for-removing-shark-nets-from-australias-beaches-permanently-580671">Experts advocate for removing shark nets from Australia’s beaches permanently</a>

Before this, since the beginning of April,&nbsp;two dead&nbsp;whales have washed up on Bali's beaches. On April 1st, a Bryde's whale weighing more than two tonnes and at least 11 metres long was founded stranded on a beach in Tabanan. The whale's carcass as per AFP was already rotten when discovered. Subsequently, on Wednesday, April 5th, an 18-metre-long male sperm whale was stranded in the Klungkung district, on Bali's eastern coast.&nbsp;

Indonesia is the world's second-biggest contributor of marine debris. The Southeast Asian archipelago's massive marine rubbish problem was brought into the spotlight a few years ago. In 2018, in a similar incident, a sperm whale was found on an Indonesian beach. Upon investigation, the mammal's stomach was found to contain more than 100 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the third time this month, people in Bali were met with the sight of a whale carcass. On Sunday, conservation officials announced that another massive whale has died after washing up on the shores of a Bali beach.

For the third time this month, people in Bali were met with the sight of a whale carcass. On Sunday, conservation officials announced that another massive whale has died after washing up on the shores of a Bali beach. This is the third such incident in little more than a week. As per officials, the latest specimen is a 56-foot-long (or 17-metre-long) male sperm whale. It was found stranded on Yeh Leh beach in west Bali's Jembrana district on Saturday afternoon. While the cause of death is still unknown, speaking to AFP a local marine and fisheries official shared suspicions that the mammal might've died of sickness "just like the whale found stranded a few days ago." Watch | Massive sperm whale dies after beaching itself on Bali beach "The body looked skinny and sickly," said Permana Yudiarso, the local marine and fisheries official. Yudiarso told AFP that they were trying to pull the carcass to the shore. "We are currently trying to pull the carcass to the shore to make it easier for the necropsy test and we will bury it after the test is concluded," he said. Also read | Isolated for over a decade, world’s ‘loneliest whale’, Kiska, dies in Canada after 40 years of captivity The necropsy test as per AFP will take around three weeks. However, forensic experts have identified bleeding in the sperm whale's lungs, its colon was found to be filled with fluids. Police have reportedly cordoned off the area around the massive whale. This has been done to prevent people from stealing its meat or body parts. Also read | Experts advocate for removing shark nets from Australia’s beaches permanently Before this, since the beginning of April, two dead whales have washed up on Bali's beaches. On April 1st, a Bryde's whale weighing more than two tonnes and at least 11 metres long was founded stranded on a beach in Tabanan. The whale's carcass as per AFP was already rotten when discovered. Subsequently, on Wednesday, April 5th, an 18-metre-long male sperm whale was stranded in the Klungkung district, on Bali's eastern coast. Indonesia is the world's second-biggest contributor of marine debris. The Southeast Asian archipelago's massive marine rubbish problem was brought into the spotlight a few years ago. In 2018, in a similar incident, a sperm whale was found on an Indonesian beach. Upon investigation, the mammal's stomach was found to contain more than 100 plastic cups and 25 plastic bags. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Another day, another carcass | In Bali, massive 'sickly' whale beaches itself, dies; third case this month

A team of Swedish and Norwegian palaeontologists have unveiled one of the oldest fossils of Ichthyosaurs — an extinct marine reptile that thrived during the dinosaur age.

A team of Swedish and Norwegian palaeontologists have unveiled one of the oldest fossils of Ichthyosaurs — an extinct marine reptile that thrived during the dinosaur age. The fossils were discovered on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the Arctic and provide a deep insight into the species, with the potential to rewrite history. The scientists found 11 vertebrae and 15 bone fragments on the frigid-cold island, along a river channel. Afterwards, they conducted geochemical, computerised micro-tomographic and bone microstructural analyses and posited that the fish-like reptiles had evolved earlier than the world's first mass extinction event which took place nearly 252 million years ago. "The implications of this discovery are manifold, but most importantly indicate that the long-anticipated transitional ichthyosaur ancestor must have appeared much earlier than previously suspected," said Benjamin Kear, lead author of the study published in the journal Current Biology. The researchers, however, added the caveat that more fossils will be needed to confirm if the ichthyopterigians were swimming in the seas before the galactical doom. Read more: For the first time, 67-million-year-old T-Rex skeleton to be auctioned in Europe The earlier theory suggested that land-based reptiles with walking legs ventured into the open sea after the mass extinction event. Over time, the early amphibious reptiles became more efficient at swimming and modified their body parts such as limbs to flippers to become permanent sea-dwellers. The discovery of the fossils, however, disputes the theory. Scientists say the magnificent creatures predated the extinction event by more than 20 million years. According to studies, some of the Ichthyosaurs reached up to around 70 feet in length, rivalling some of Earth's largest whales. However, their genesis always remained a mystery before the recent discovery. While dinosaurs dominated the land, Ichthyosaurs stood on top of the food chain in the oceans. The domination in the marine habitat continued for over 160 million years. Read more: T-Rex dinosaur fossil named Stan sells for record-breaking $31.8 million (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Fossil discovery of THIS 250-million-year-old marine reptile could rewrite history

Whales have always been thought of as the smartest of mammals. Now a study published by the Royal Society Open Science has found that humpback whales communicate using songs that traverse through the length and breadth of the ocean, as far as 8000 kilometres.&nbsp;

Reportedly, a team of researchers at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador recorded songs first heard from the humpback whales off the coast of eastern Australia. Fast forward a few years and the same song was picked up all the way in Ecuador, suggesting that the voice travelled across the South Pacific Ocean.

&nbsp;“Half the globe is now vocally connected for whales. And that’s insane,” Ellen Garland, author of the study and a marine biologist at the University of St. Andrews was quoted as saying by the New York Times.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-rescuers-save-stranded-dolphins-using-buckets-and-towels-506224" target="_blank">New Zealand rescuers save stranded dolphins using buckets and towels</a>

Fascinatingly, the songs sung by the humpback whale may change over time. The authors of the study attributed the change to two different phenomenons viz. progressive cultural evolution and cultural revolution.

In the first category, the songs follow the basic evolutionary process wherein different whales subtract, add or delete their units and phrases in the song. The little changes in each iteration of the song slowly lead to a completely different version that then spreads around in the colony.

In the second category, a neighbouring population comes around with its novel song and the existing whale population quickly laps it up.&nbsp;

Researchers cited an example of a male song on the east coast of Australia singing a completely different song compared to the local whales. However, it matched the song sung on the west coast.&nbsp;

Within two years, all males month the east coast started singing the same song, suggesting that the cultural revolution amongst the whales was much more rapid than we had thought of previously.&nbsp;

“These really rapid cultural changes are not seen in any other animal species, it’s happened so fast.” added Garland.&nbsp;

Garland also asserted that these songs travelled when neighbouring groups of whales passed within an acoustic range of each other.&nbsp;

This passing usually happens when whales are leaving their breeding grounds and migrating to foraging grounds.&nbsp;

However, it is still unclear what the songs stand for. Whether the male whales use it as a mating call with females or to mediate male-to-male interaction or as a multi-message signal, it remains shrouded in clouds of mystery.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-suggests-now-extinct-megalodon-shark-could-devour-killer-whale-in-just-five-bites-508143" target="_blank">Research suggests now-extinct megalodon shark could devour killer whale in just five bites</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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Whales have always been thought of as the smartest of mammals. Now a study published by the Royal Society Open Science has found that humpback whales communicate using songs that traverse through the length and breadth of the ocean, as far as 8000 kilometres.

Whales have always been thought of as the smartest of mammals. Now a study published by the Royal Society Open Science has found that humpback whales communicate using songs that traverse through the length and breadth of the ocean, as far as 8000 kilometres. Reportedly, a team of researchers at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador recorded songs first heard from the humpback whales off the coast of eastern Australia. Fast forward a few years and the same song was picked up all the way in Ecuador, suggesting that the voice travelled across the South Pacific Ocean. “Half the globe is now vocally connected for whales. And that’s insane,” Ellen Garland, author of the study and a marine biologist at the University of St. Andrews was quoted as saying by the New York Times. Read more: New Zealand rescuers save stranded dolphins using buckets and towels Fascinatingly, the songs sung by the humpback whale may change over time. The authors of the study attributed the change to two different phenomenons viz. progressive cultural evolution and cultural revolution. In the first category, the songs follow the basic evolutionary process wherein different whales subtract, add or delete their units and phrases in the song. The little changes in each iteration of the song slowly lead to a completely different version that then spreads around in the colony. In the second category, a neighbouring population comes around with its novel song and the existing whale population quickly laps it up. Researchers cited an example of a male song on the east coast of Australia singing a completely different song compared to the local whales. However, it matched the song sung on the west coast. Within two years, all males month the east coast started singing the same song, suggesting that the cultural revolution amongst the whales was much more rapid than we had thought of previously. “These really rapid cultural changes are not seen in any other animal species, it’s happened so fast.” added Garland. Garland also asserted that these songs travelled when neighbouring groups of whales passed within an acoustic range of each other. This passing usually happens when whales are leaving their breeding grounds and migrating to foraging grounds. However, it is still unclear what the songs stand for. Whether the male whales use it as a mating call with females or to mediate male-to-male interaction or as a multi-message signal, it remains shrouded in clouds of mystery. Read more: Research suggests now-extinct megalodon shark could devour killer whale in just five bites (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Humpback whales sing songs that can travel half the length of planet: Study

Humpback whales sing songs that can travel half the length of planet

The discovery of super rare “walking sharks” in Papua New Guinea has astounded scientists. Called epaulette shark—also known as Hemiscyllium Ocellatum— it is unique among shark species as it has the ability to walk on land. The creature was spotted on the coast of the island on May 3 this year.

Conservationist and biologist Forrest Galante recently shared the rare footage of this unusual species for Discovery Channel's new Shark Week episode called "Island of the Walking Sharks. He had travelled to the coral reefs of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to investigate rumors of a new species of walking shark.

"This is the first time in history one of the Papuan species of epaulettes has been documented walking," Galante said on the show.

"This is so incredible."

In the video, the tan-and-black-speckled shark was seen using its fins to drag itself across a tide pool that contained barely enough water, moving like a lumbering sea lion as it dragged its body across the shore.

Scientists believe that the epaulette sharks, which are found throughout the southern coast of New Guinea and the northern coast of Australia, evolved the ability to walk because it helped them search for food in environments which were inhabitable to other sharks.

"All traits are selected for when it allows [a species] to survive better and eke out an environment where they're safe and can get food," Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, told Live Science.

Epaulette sharks grow about 3.3 feet (1 metre) in length and swim in shallow coral reefs to hunt for their preferred food—crabs and other invertebrates.

When the tide recedes, they can be seen hanging out in tide pools and chomping off on these creatures.

"But once they're done, they're trapped. What epaulettes have learned to do is climb up in the reef and plop themselves in the next tide pool," Naylor was quoted as saying.

According to a 2020 study published in the journal Marine &amp; Freshwater Research, epaulette sharks are believed to have evolved the ability to walk in the past 9 million years, which the scientists claim is incredibly fast for sharks.

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The discovery of super rare “walking sharks” in Papua New Guinea has astounded scientists. Called epaulette shark—also known as Hemiscyllium Ocellatum— it is unique among shark species as it has the ability to walk on land.

The discovery of super rare “walking sharks” in Papua New Guinea has astounded scientists. Called epaulette shark—also known as Hemiscyllium Ocellatum— it is unique among shark species as it has the ability to walk on land. The creature was spotted on the coast of the island on May 3 this year. Conservationist and biologist Forrest Galante recently shared the rare footage of this unusual species for Discovery Channel's new Shark Week episode called "Island of the Walking Sharks. He had travelled to the coral reefs of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to investigate rumors of a new species of walking shark. "This is the first time in history one of the Papuan species of epaulettes has been documented walking," Galante said on the show. "This is so incredible." In the video, the tan-and-black-speckled shark was seen using its fins to drag itself across a tide pool that contained barely enough water, moving like a lumbering sea lion as it dragged its body across the shore. Scientists believe that the epaulette sharks, which are found throughout the southern coast of New Guinea and the northern coast of Australia, evolved the ability to walk because it helped them search for food in environments which were inhabitable to other sharks. "All traits are selected for when it allows [a species] to survive better and eke out an environment where they're safe and can get food," Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville, told Live Science. Epaulette sharks grow about 3.3 feet (1 metre) in length and swim in shallow coral reefs to hunt for their preferred food—crabs and other invertebrates. When the tide recedes, they can be seen hanging out in tide pools and chomping off on these creatures. "But once they're done, they're trapped. What epaulettes have learned to do is climb up in the reef and plop themselves in the next tide pool," Naylor was quoted as saying. According to a 2020 study published in the journal Marine & Freshwater Research, epaulette sharks are believed to have evolved the ability to walk in the past 9 million years, which the scientists claim is incredibly fast for sharks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Super rare ‘walking shark’ discovered in Papua New Guinea, scientists baffled

The Genoa Aquarium in Italy, one of Europe's largest aquarium is gradually letting the visitors back in. The marine animals are as excited as the visitors as they welcome the reopening of the aquarium.

The Genoa Aquarium in Italy reopens after months

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