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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Nicola Davis Science Correspondent

Fewer than one in 14 male humpback whales in New Caledonia are fathers

A humpback whale breaches with snowy peaks behind
The paternity analysis found 93% of males had no evidence of genetic offspring during the 25 -year study period. Photograph: Cavan Images/Brent Doscher/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

As few as 7% of male humpback whales in New Caledonia in the south-west Pacific may have fathered offspring, a study has found.

The paternity analysis found that 93% of males had no evidence of genetic offspring throughout the 25-year study period and no male had sired more than two offspring. It was unclear why some males were more successful than others, the authors said.

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