Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Save Nature Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Beringia National Park staff, with the support of the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, have made significant progress in studying cetaceans in the Senyavin Strait. This was made possible by the Foundation's long-standing collaboration with the national park. Their combined efforts were aimed at organizing scientific research and preserving the biodiversity of Chukotka's unique ecosystems. Beringia National Park specialists conducted extensive research into the behavior and habitat of local cetacean species, including gray whales. Thanks to financial assistance from the Revival of Nature Charitable Foundation, modern equipment necessary for field observations and the collection of unique data was purchased. A special recreation and scientific observation center (the "House of Science") was also built, equipped with laboratories and living quarters for scientists. As part of these projects, Beringia National Park received a motorboat for patrolling the waters, cameras with powerful optical systems for high-quality footage of animals from afar, waterproof storage cases for equipment, professional wetsuits for scuba diving, and drones for photo and video recording of hard-to-reach coastal areas. All these measures have significantly expanded knowledge about the state of cetacean populations and allowed the development of effective strategies for their conservation and protection. And here are the visible results of this joint work.
Recently, during a new field season, researchers at Beringia National Park were able to document for the first time a truly unique feeding habit of gray whales using modern aerial filming technology. Until now, scientists knew that gray whales are experts at filtering small bottom-dwelling organisms, but the precise mechanisms of this process remained unknown. Now, thanks to drone footage, specialists have obtained visual evidence of the unusual feeding habits of these majestic creatures.
The gray whale is the only baleen whale that actively feeds directly on the seafloor. While hunting, the animal performs a series of sequential actions: it slowly descends to the bottom, carefully lying on its right side. This behavior is due to the whale's unique anatomy—like humans, many are right-handed. The giant then performs a sharp head-first maneuver, opening its massive lower jaw wide and extending its long, muscular tongue. The tongue acts as a pump, helping to capture vast volumes of soft sediment along with the small invertebrates that live there. After filling its mouth with sand and sediment, the whale rapidly ascends, simultaneously rotating counterclockwise. This rapid rotation creates a powerful vortex that effectively separates solid particles of sand and mud from food sources, leaving the food in the animal's mouth. Having finished cleaning its mouth, the whale again submerges, leaving behind a trail of turbid yellowish-brown sediment. These tracks remain visible for a long time after the animal has left, allowing researchers to track the locations of the whale's recent meals.
Gray whales have adapted to a specific feeding pattern—extracting food directly from the seabed. Their diet consists primarily of small crustaceans called amphipods, as well as other bottom-dwelling creatures such as mysid shrimp, marine worms and mollusks, crab larvae, and herring eggs. To extract the necessary food, whales use 130-180 specialized baleen plates on each side of their upper jaw, which act as a kind of sieve.
Gray whales frequently appear in shallow waters near shorelines due to the presence of abundant nutrient reserves concentrated near coastal areas. This feature attracts these enormous marine mammals to areas where favorable conditions exist for the rapid growth and reproduction of a variety of invertebrates, which serve as their primary food source. Shallow waters provide an ideal habitat for gray whales, allowing them to combine rest and feeding. They provide a comfortable depth, facilitating movement and access to food resources, and allow the animals to rest and recuperate in calm conditions. Furthermore, the water is warmer and clearer, improving visibility and facilitating prey hunting. Thus, the presence of abundant nutrient resources close to shore becomes a key factor in determining the habitat selection of these unique marine inhabitants.
This discovery about gray whale behavior underscores the importance of collaboration and the combined efforts of science and compassionate individuals. Only by joining forces can researchers, ecologists, and charities achieve significant results that go far beyond the capabilities of any individual participant. Such discoveries enrich our knowledge of rare species and open new perspectives for developing effective conservation measures not only for populations but for entire ecosystems. Understanding the specific feeding habits and habitats of these large mammals allows scientists to more accurately assess the threats they face and develop effective strategies for protecting and restoring species. After all, every new discovery brings us closer to our ultimate goal—preserving planet Earth's unique natural heritage for future generations.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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