Photo-identification
Whales have a face!
Each whale is unique. Look for natural markings such as pigmentation,
colouration patterns and the shape of the dorsal fin. Also note
deformations or scars.
Photo-identification has been used since the 1930s to study many
animal species from elephants, gorillas and leopards to giraffes, cheetahs
and seals. This research method is used in the St. Lawrence by biologists
to study belugas, fin whales, blue whales, humpback whales, minke whales, sperm whales and right whales. It has been
helpful in the study of whale movements, social
structure and behaviour.
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