19 Oct 2018

Critter of the Week The Pygmy Blue Whale

From Afternoons, 3:29 pm on 19 October 2018

Until recently, it was believed that the pygmy blue whales seen in the South Taranaki Bight were just animals passing through the area.  Research from a detailed, multipronged study published earlier this year instead shows these whales belong to a genetically distinct, New Zealand population.  Nicola Toki, DOC’s Threatened Species Ambassador, tells us that they are making the most of a special oceanic ‘upwelling’ that supplies them with food.

Pygmy blue whale spotted off the coast of Cape Farewell.

Pygmy blue whale spotted off the coast of Cape Farewell. Photo: SUPPLIED/ Leigh Torres

And here are the entries for our Critter of the Week BAKE OFF!

We'll let you know the winners next Friday