Dear MEL Topic Readers
New Zealand beached whales: Why are so many getting stranded?
In late November, scores of whales were found dead on several beaches in New Zealand. They seem to have gotten stranded on the beaches by groups, in one case a dozen whales and in another case over 100. While whale stranding is not that uncommon, why did such a large number of marine mammals get stranded on the beach all of a sudden?
Experts suggested a few possible causes but have been unable to conclude the case yet. The whales might have been too ill to swim or eat and died. Their navigation and communication system by echolocation might have been confused in very shallow waters. The groups might have been misguided by the leader or a member of the herd. Warmer water temperature might have led their preys to certain areas and the whales followed them.
In any case, such mysterious mass stranding seems to have been happening since before humans inhabited the southern islands.
Enjoy reading and learn about another mystery of nature.
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