baleiafranca

Baleiafranca, or *Eubalaena australis*, is a species of baleen whale found in the Southern Hemisphere. It is commonly known as the southern right whale. These large marine mammals are characterized by their robust bodies, dark coloration, and the presence of callosities, which are rough patches of skin on their heads. These callosities are unique to each individual and are often covered in cyamids, or whale lice.

Southern right whales are filter feeders, consuming large quantities of small crustaceans and plankton by straining them through their baleen plates. They are known for their slow swimming speed and their tendency to breach, where they leap out of the water and fall back down. This behavior is thought to have several purposes, including communication, parasite removal, or simply play.

Historically, southern right whales were heavily hunted during the whaling era, leading to a drastic decline in their population. Conservation efforts have been instrumental in their recovery, though they still face threats from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and noise pollution. Their breeding grounds are typically found in sheltered coastal waters, where calves are born and nursed. These areas are crucial for the species' survival and are often protected marine zones.