The cache is not at the listed coordinates, but will rather take you to Roman Rock - a scenic viewpoint along the Hermanus Coastal Path... BYOP
The cache used to be fixed to an information board detailing the habits of our local whale population; unfortunately, this board has since been removed - cache in tow. SO PLEASE NOTE: As of 18/12/2015, the final location has moved and the puzzle, hint and Geochecker adjusted accordingly.
S 34° 25.027 E 019° 14.863
10 Interesting southern right whale facts
- The scientific name for the southern right whale is, “Eubalaena australis”.
- Because the southern right whale is a marine mammal it produces milk, gives birth, is warm-blooded and breathes air.
- Despite their large size these marine mammals are sometimes attacked by killer whales and large sharks.
- A fully grow southern right whale can weigh as much as 8 adult African elephants.
- At over 1,000 lbs. per testicle the right whale is believed to have the largest testicles of any known animal.
- With a lifespan of up to 100 years the southern right whale is one of the longest living species of cetacea. The bowhead whale has the longest estimated lifespan with am estimated 200 year lifespan.
- Due to their thick layer of blubber the southern right whale never crosses over the equator and into the northern hemisphere because their body is unable to handle the extreme heat.
- With a head measuring up to 1/3 the length of its entire body the southern right whale has one of the largest heads of all the whale species.
- Despite being massive marine animals the primary diet of the southern right whale consists of prey that measures less than 1 inch long; however there are a few species of krill that can grow to lengths of up to six inches.
- These marine mammals are a protected species and hunting them in certain countries could lead to steep fines and/or jail time.
Length Adults: 14m to 18m; Calves: 5m to 6m at birth
Weight Adults: up to 80 tonnes; Calves: 1 to 1.5 tonnes at birth
Gestation: 11 to 12 months
Weaning age: 11 to 12 months
Calving interval: generally 3 years
Length: 16m
Sexual maturity age: 9 to 10 years
Mating season: July to August
Calving season: June to August
Cruising speed: 3km/hr
Blow pattern: V-shaped bushy blow, up to 5m
Protected since 1935
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