In her PhD work, Aashi Parikh has done groundbreaking work on the diets of southern right whales and Bryder’s whales. She’s investigating the nuance of their gut microbiomes. She completed trailblazing research when she analyzed 52 fecal samples from southern right whales. This work exposed some fundamental truths about how they feed and their overall health. The study points out these findings’ importance for climate change. It further emphasizes their importance for conservation initiatives targeting this endangered species.
Parikh’s research included sediment samples collected as far afield as Fowlers Bay, South Africa, and marine buoys in New Zealand. In particular, she was sent 12 frozen samples from Fowlers Bay, which were collected in 2022. These results highlight that Fowlers Bay calves are not solely dependent on a milk diet. They begin consuming prey before they are weaned! This new evidence provides insight into what these young whales need nutritionally.
Groundbreaking Findings on Diet and Behavior
Aashi Parikh’s research into the poop of southern right whales has produced some pretty spectacular findings. Her research showed for the first time that these whales feed on crab larvae. This unexpected find broadens the dietary range of the species. Of the 52 samples sequenced Fowlers Bay, almost all were determined to be calves. This is presumably an indication that the calves are becoming accustomed to eating a more mixed diet, comprising both milk and solid food.
“To be able to say they are feeding in Fowlers Bay and this is what they’re feeding on is exciting for the science,” – Aashi Parikh
That’s what Parikh hoped to discover when she used DNA metabarcoding to find out exactly what prey varieties had been present in the whale feces. This genetic approach allowed her to match the DNA of the prey found to species. In turn, she developed an accurate picture of what the whales were eating.
Parikh’s research revealed seriously surprising results on the gut microbiomes of calves. They would be difficult to distinguish from those of human infants and other bovine calves. This finding indicates that they may be in a transition period with their eating patterns. The babies still nurse, but begin consuming solid food.
“They’re also still drinking milk but they’re also starting to eat, much like human babies,” – Aashi Parikh
Implications for Whale Health and Conservation
Aashi Parikh’s research extends beyond food choices alone. It does a wonderful job highlighting the critical state of southern right whale populations as they navigate the perils of climate change. The research will serve as a baseline for tracking the health of this delicate species. It identifies and characterizes gut microbiomes, uncovering information about whale health and environmental changes, simultaneously.
“Looking at their gut microbiome tells us about their health and what’s in the environment,” Parikh noted. This link highlights the critical importance that changes in prey availability from climate change can have on whale populations.
“Where the krill are is changing as the water temperatures change,” – Aashi Parikh
Parikh’s findings are especially important in light of growing concerns about the deteriorating body condition of mother whales. She pointed out that some groups are losing so many mothers to weight-related causes, that they are having fewer births.
“Several populations we’re seeing that the body condition of the mums is changing and they’re basically losing weight and they’re giving birth less frequently,” – Aashi Parikh
Future Directions and Research Opportunities
This new research by Aashi Parikh expands the potential for innovative, targeted conservation efforts to help protect these highly endangered southern right whales. By pinpointing the impacts of their prey and what they have to eat, targeted efforts can be made to conserve their habitats more efficiently.
Parikh’s work provides valuable new insights into the feeding habits of southern right whales. It serves as a key baseline resource for future studies aimed at establishing long-term trends in whale health over time. This fascinating finding can help conservationists track changes in the environment that are affecting whales.
Impressively, Rod Keogh has been out there, indiscriminately, collecting whale poop. He added levity to the discussion by commenting on the rarity of this peculiar research substance. “It’s not what you think — it looks like lumps of clay on the beach up to a fist size,” he remarked. Keogh emphasized the significance of these samples despite their unappealing odor: “It is ridiculously smelly. You don’t want to roll in it or step into it.”
“I’m stockpiling it again in my freezer, much to my wife’s disgust,” – Rod Keogh
The collaborative efforts between researchers like Parikh and community members demonstrate how collective action can lead to better protection for these majestic creatures.
