As it happens, the channel 7 documentary on the amazing blue whales of Sri Lanka is doing its rounds again. But this time, it is accompanied by the title 'World's largest blue whale colony discovered in Sri Lanka' or 'World's largest blue whale discovered in Sri Lanka'. I guess this is where I set the record straight.....
Firstly, we do not have an inkling about how big or small the population of blue whales that visit our waters is.....the one thing we do know is that they are the least known population in the world and we are only beginning to unravel their secrets. On top of this, they are by no means the largest blue whales in the world...the whales around Sri Lanka are actually a variety of pygmy blue whale and as the name implies, they are smaller (25m vs. 30m!) than the blue whales off places like California.
What is most important however is that we don't lose our fascination just because this particular population isn't the largest...Blue whales as a species (all the different populations in the world) do represent the largest animal to ever roam the planet after all. The mere fact that we live side by side with these giants should encourage us to work together to protect them for future generations. Do you feel lucky?
True! That's what titles are saying online. However, I also watched the video on your blog posted by you. I also read your previous blog posts about the type there being pygmy blue whales. Regardless of the small difference in size, you are right, they need to be protected and valued as an important part of our eco system. Whale size hardly matters, we are lucky just to share this planet with them, with the hope that we humans learn about them, love them and respect them. Great work, keep it up!
ReplyDeleteomg YES I DO FEEL LUCKY. but mighty sad at the same time. urgh stupid shits who don't care a dime about actually conserving these fascinating creatures should be shot with shit. orange shit.argh time for some serious tourism policies. not for ogling at these marvelous fellows. well done well done. keep us educated we shall try to spread the word. word.
ReplyDeleteCould it be the largest, blue whale colony, as opposed to the largest blue whale, colony; though??
ReplyDeletegreat stuff Asha and yes why do we need to have the largest biggest best, surely we have grown up, lets just treasure what we have and appreciate it, lets take care not to exploit it too much!
ReplyDeleteAll Good and full support from me. Heshan Demel USA. Old Thomian!
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ReplyDeleteI just watched 11 minute video in YouTube!your work is simply amazing! Leopards in Sri Lanka are actually a sub-species called Panthera pardus kotiya, which a female PhD Candidate such as you found out.We know so little about the whales in SL,I've never seen one.Full support from me.Sarada Dissanayake. Graphic Designer
ReplyDeleteSaw this on TV and boy that thing is huge!!! Can't wait to come and see them! Is it he or a she?
ReplyDeleteWhat's the future plans? How can we help?
හොඳ වැඩසටහනක්...
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Barry and I live in Alaska. I had the pleasure of seeing a Fin Whale second in size to the Blue. I feel like you do, I never get tired or underwhelmed by seeing a whale of any species. Oh yeah, and you Ms. De Vos are an absolutely stunning beauty :-) You should have your own TV show. Best of luck to you
ReplyDeleteHi Barry -- thanks for your note! I have only ever had a fleeting glimpse of a fin whale -- hopefully someday soon I will have a better encounter. Whales are truly incredible awe inspiring creatures!!! Thank you for the luck and the compliments :) Asha
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