First Gray Whale South of Equator on Record

[jpak]

http://www.earthweek.com/2013/ew130517/ew130517a.html

A gray whale that was sighted off the coast of Namibia in early May was the first-ever appearance of the marine mammal south of the equator.

The species has been extinct in the Atlantic since the 18th century and has been mainly confined to the North Pacific. One was also sighted in the Mediterranean in May 2010.

Experts say this could suggest the leviathan is recovering from the disastrous whaling hunts that ended in the 20th century, or it could mean changing climate is disrupting its feeding habits.

Another possibility is that the increasing population of the gray whale could be allowing it to regain some of its ancient migratory routes.

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[FBaggins]

1. Relying on an old GPS

with out-of-date files.

[Nihil]

2. Probably a male who didn't want to stop and ask for directions. (n/t)