Scientists have made the extraordinary discovery in Chile of a hidden nursery where blue whales go in large numbers to rear their young and to feed. The find, in the south of the country, will help researchers understand the behaviour and migration of blue whales, aiding conservation measures. The iconic blue whale is the largest mammal on Earth and was driven to near-extinction by commercial whaling. Details of the find are published in the scientific journal Biology Letters. The researchers claim the area, located in a sheltered network of fjords surrounded by long-dormant volcanoes, is one of the most important blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) feeding and nursing grounds yet discovered in the southern hemisphere.

They occur principally around the Gulf of Corcovado and the western coast of Chiloe island.

"It was amazing to discover something like this in 2003. One thinks this is not an era of discovery, but we still have much to learn," marine mammal ecologist Dr Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete, of the Universidad Austral de Chile, told BBC News Online.

Dr Hucke-Gaete said it was possible that the whales were also giving birth in the area, but there was no evidence currently either way for this.

Scientists have little information on where blue whales breed, although it is thought to take place in tropical waters.

The nursing and feeding area was discovered following a blue whale study cruise along the Chilean coast in early 1997 organised by the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Observers on the boats noticed that many whale sightings were occurring closer to shore than expected.

A follow-up boat trip into the fjords by whale expert Don Ljungblad and others found the site which was later identified as a whale nursing and feeding ground.


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