For the first time, two male humpback whales are caught in the act of sexual intercourse

Two male humpback whales were caught on camera by two scientists mating with each other, which is considered a first in the scientific community.

Upon closer examination, the photographers who took the images, which date back to January 19, 2022, discovered that they were actually They had depicted two male whales having penetrative sex.

A study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science showed the first confirmed observation of penetration during sexual intercourse among humpback whales. Even more particular is the fact that this behavior was observed between two malesa phenomenon never reported before in the scientific literature on these whales.

The discovery occurred thanks to the timely presence of two scientific photographers, Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano, who captured the pivotal moment while aboard a boat near Maui. Their photographs were shared with the study leader, Stephanie Stack, a researcher at the Pacific Whale Foundation.

unique find

According to the National Geographic note, the study of humpback whales has made considerable progress in recent decades, thanks to the development of new tracking technologies and the use of drones. Furthermore, the participation of enthusiastic tourists and scientists with cameras has provided an increasing number of valuable observations.

Longitudinal studies are particularly crucial, as they allow the same individuals to be followed for years. The Pacific Whale Foundation, for example, has maintained a unique pod of humpback whales in Hawaii since 1980, helping to produce one of the world’s most extensive photographic identification catalogs for this species.

In this particular case, the two individuals involved in the sexual act were already recorded in the catalogue, which facilitated their identification as adults and, in the case of Whale A, their confirmation as male. The observation of their sexual behavior, which lasted less than two minutes in each session, provides valuable data on the social and reproductive dynamics of these whales. according to National Geographic.

Non-reproductive sexual behavior is not exclusive to humpback whales and has been observed in several marine and even terrestrial species.

Hypotheses are practical for future sexual encounters, establishing or maintaining social bonds, reducing tensions, or asserting a dominant position.