During the migratory season of the gray whale at Baja California SurIn addition, an exceptional sighting has occurred in two key lagoons of the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. The records show the presence of 758 individuals in the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon and 125 in the San Ignacio Lagoon.
The census was carried out by the team of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas) (Conanp), detailing the presence of 177 mothers, 177 calves and 404 single whales in Laguna Ojo de Liebre, as well as 10 mothers, 10 calves and 105 single whales in Laguna San Ignacio.
During the month of December, whales can be sighted along the coasts of the Baja California peninsula. The maximum peak of calf births is registered in February in Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio lagoons.
The females of gray whale give birth every two years, usually to a single calf, after a gestation period of 12 to 13 months. Sexual maturity is reached at about nine years for males and six years for females.
Calving takes place between late December and early February, with the calves measuring approximately 4.5 meters and weighing about half a ton at birth. For 6 to 7 months, the calves feed exclusively on milk and then remain with their mothers for another one to two years.
The gray whale's diet includes small crustaceans, fish, plankton and krill, with an estimated daily consumption of one ton.
In late March, the whales begin their northward journey back along the Pacific coast. The increasingly active and coordinated calves stay close to their mothers as they develop a blubber layer. Mothers and calves are the last to leave the lagoons.
In order to ensure whale watching, it is crucial to comply with the 2023-2024 season notice, published in the Official Journal of the Federation September 29, 2023, which is available for consultation. here.
Interest in whale watching has increased in recent years. The existence of the Mexican Official Standard (NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010) has contributed to the orderly development of this activity, guaranteeing the protection and conservation of the habitat of these majestic creatures.
The gray whale is a natural treasure of Mexico, highlighting the nation as one of the most diverse in terms of biodiversity. Therefore, its protection is essential.
Source: Conanp