First study of Omura’s whale carried out

Researchers have documented their findings after the first studies were carried out on the rare Omura’s whale, a recently discovered species previously thought to be smaller version of Bryde’s whale.

Omura’s whale can be identified by the unique asymmetrical pigmentation on their lower jaws but it was not until 2003 that genetic DNA testing was able to confirm them as a separate species. The research was carried out on whales living in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. Vocalisations recorded during the study will now be analysed to help discover more about the breeding habits of these whales.