Head of a right whale in Te Waewae Bay, Southland. Scientists have developed techniques which enable individual whales to be identified by the pattern of callosities on their heads. These naturally occurring markings are raised patches of whitish, rough skin infested with whale lice, parasitic worms and barnacles. The size, positioning and shape of the markings can be identified in photographs taken from a small plane or helicopter and have enabled scientists to build up an identity record similar to that of thumb-prints in humans.
TIM HIGHAM
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Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
Forest and Bird, Issue 267, 1 February 1993, Page 10
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87Head of a right whale in Te Waewae Bay, Southland. Scientists have developed techniques which enable individual whales to be identified by the pattern of callosities on their heads. These naturally occurring markings are raised patches of whitish, rough skin infested with whale lice, parasitic worms and barnacles. The size, positioning and shape of the markings can be identified in photographs taken from a small plane or helicopter and have enabled scientists to build up an identity record similar to that of thumb-prints in humans. TIM HIGHAM Forest and Bird, Issue 267, 1 February 1993, Page 10
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