Humpback whale mother and calf, Tonga

© Chase Dekker/Minden Picture

Humpback whale mother and calf

In today's image, we witness a humpback whale mother and calf in the waters of Tonga. Humpbacks can grow up to 12 metres long and weigh as much as 36,000 kilograms, approximately. They have a unique body shape with long flippers that can be up to one-third of their body length and special bumps called tubercles on their heads.

They travel nearly 16,000 kilometres annually, feeding in polar waters and breeding in warmer seas. Humpback whales can drink seawater because their kidneys are specially adapted to filter out the salt. They are known for their acrobatic displays, often breaching and slapping the water with their fins and tails. This behaviour is not only spectacular to watch but also believed to be a form of communication. Though their numbers have partially recovered, humpback whales still face challenges like fishing gear entanglement and ship collision.