The social and ecological significance of Hervey Bay Queensland for eastern Australian humpback whales (\u3cem\u3eMegaptera novaeangliae\u3c/em\u3e)

Abstract

This study provides the first detailed long-term research on the seasonal pod characteristics, seasonal social behaviour and temporal segregation of different reproductive and maturational classes of humpback whales in Hervey Bay (Queensland, Australia). The overall aim was to investigate the importance of the Bay for particular classes of humpback whales. This study revealed that Hervey Bay is an important habitat for mature females accompanying immature whales early in the season and mothers with calves later in the season. Hervey Bay is neither a terminal destination nor a calving or breeding area but rather a stopover early in the southern migration