A recent study indicates that older male humpback whales are more successful in mating than their younger counterparts, thanks to their superior singing. Older whales, which excel at singing, show increasing success in reproducing compared to younger males, suggesting that humpback whales may need time to learn and refine their songs and competitive strategies, giving experienced males a clear advantage. Researchers believe that as whale populations recover after centuries of excessive whaling, females may have become more selective, which could lead to greater success for males with desirable traits or stronger performance. The international study, led by the Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, found that the age-related role in male humpback whale reproduction has changed as their numbers have increased. Published in the journal 'Current Biology', the study assessed two decades of data on humpback whales breeding in New Caledonia in the South Pacific. The researchers found that during the early years of recovery, younger males were predominant. However, over time, as the population grew, the age composition shifted: as older individuals became more common, their success in reproducing increased compared to younger males. Based on long-term monitoring by the non-governmental organization 'Operation Cétacés', the research team analyzed changes in the age structure, behavior, and paternity of male whales. The team applied genetic analysis to determine paternity and used 'epigenetic molecular clocks' to estimate whale age from a small skin sample. Male humpback whales are known for producing some of the most complex songs in the animal kingdom, and their powerful voices are often heard in breeding areas. Dr. Elin Garland, lead author of the study from the Mammal Research Unit, said: 'As whale populations recover, there has been a greater than expected number of older males that are singing, escorting females, and successfully fathering calves compared to younger animals.'
