Investigators examine dead baby whales on Argentina coast
Veterinarians in Argentina are investigating why many baby southern right whales have washed up dead along the Patagonian coast recently.
Unusual deaths reported locally
Scores of calf carcasses have been found washing ashore around Peninsula Valdes. This area serves as a major breeding ground for southern right whales in Chubut province. Investigators state that this event is unusual based on 23 years of monitoring the same population.
Leading theory involves birds
The primary hypothesis suggests whale calves suffer infections from marine bacteria entering through injuries. Kelp gulls peck at whales surfacing to breathe and gorge on their skin. Adult whales learn to keep their backs underwater, but calves cannot perform this maneuver.
Vulnerability of young whales
Calves remain vulnerable to attacks because they lack the ability to submerge their bodies fully. These injured animals eventually die and their bodies wash up near Puerto Madryn. Scientists continue to study the data to understand the full scope of the crisis.
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