Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a cosmopolitan species that often visit inshore waters close to the coast, making it easier to see and study them. Consequently, this baleen whale has been researched the most, particularly in Colombia. In Aug 2020, ongoing cetacean monitoring was performed by a group of trained fishermen from the Gulf of Tribuga as part of a community science program implemented by the R&E Ocean Community Conservation Foundation as a contingency plan for monitoring marine mammals in the area during COVID-19 lockdown. As a result of these observations of play behavior, the scope of knowledge regarding the social dynamics, developmental processes, flexibility, and cognitive abilities of cetaceans has been expanded.

Aquatic Mammals

Play Behavior by a Juvenile Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with an Inanimate Object (Driftwood) in the Gulf of Tribugá, Colombia

Scientists studying humpback whales in Colombia have had a rare opportunity to observe and learn about the play behavior of a juvenile humpback whale in the Gulf of Tribugá.In August 2020, despite the COVID-19 lockdown, a community science program by the R&E Ocean Community Conservation Foundation enabled trained fishermen to continue monitoring cetaceans in the area. The fascinating observations show a young humpback whale playing with a driftwood, providing valuable insight into the cetacean's social dynamics, development process, flexibility, and cognitive skills.Observing these whales close to the coast allows researchers to better understand their behavior and adds to the existing pool of knowledge about this cosmopolitan species. Further research is needed to explore how play behavior may contribute to the overall development and wellbeing of these majestic marine mammals.

A Baby Humpback Whale Plays with Driftwood in Colombia