Two Humpback Whales Complete Record-Breaking 14,500-Kilometer Migrations Between Australia and Brazil

Scientists have identified two humpback whales that completed separate record-breaking migrations of over 14,500 kilometers between breeding sites in eastern Australia and Brazil. Using image-recognition software on more than 19,000 whale photographs collected over four decades, researchers matched unique tail markings to track these rare long-distance journeys. The whales traveled in opposite directions, exceeding previous known distances for the species. The findings, published in Royal Society Open Science, highlight the extensive mobility and connectivity of humpback whale populations, though the exact routes and reasons for these crossings remain unclear.