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Southern Right whales face rising mortality in Patagonia
Researchers are investigating an unusual increase in the deaths of Southern Right whales along the coast of the Valdes Peninsula in Patagonia, Argentina. The surge in mortality is particularly affecting calves in this protected calving area.
Scientists from the Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, led by Marcela Uhart of the University of California, Davis, have identified bacteria in tissue samples from the deceased animals. One leading theory suggests that kelp gulls may be contributing to the deaths by pecking at the whales' skin and nutrient-rich fat layers while they surface to breathe. These injuries may serve as entry points for bacterial infections, a risk that is heightened for calves with thinner protective layers. Other factors under consideration include rising water temperatures and climate change.
Entities
Marcela Uhart · Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program · Southern right whale · University of California, Davis · Valdés Peninsula
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Marcela Uhart of the University of California, Davis, is leading a research team investigating the deaths. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.tz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] There has been a significant increase in the number of dead Southern Right whales found on the Patagonian coast. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.tz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Kelp gulls may cause injuries to the whales' skin and fat layers, creating entry points for pathogens. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.tz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Calves are being particularly affected by the deaths. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.tz.de
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bacteria have been detected in tissue samples from the deceased whales. www.kurierverlag.de · www.leinetal24.de · www.tz.de