14 DAY TRIAL // For those unaware, whale sharks are the biggest fish in the world. Studies have shown that they can grow to be 41.5 feet (12.65 meters) long and tip the scale at 47,000 pounds (21,500 kilograms).
Interestingly enough, wildlife researchers say that, according to recent data obtained while monitoring these creatures, whale sharks are now on the market for a new home.
In a nutshell, they are steadily becoming common sight in waters that are considerably further north than their historic range. It is believed this is due to a change in sea temperatures brought about by global warming.
Apparently, the region that these creatures have taken a fancy to is the Azores Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Many local fishermen have reported seeing whale sharks swimming around these nine volcanic islands.
Wildlife researchers say that, according to witness accounts, the region that whale sharks explore when visiting the Azores Islands spans over approximately 1 million square kilometers (about 386,000 square miles).
While swimming in these waters, whale sharks tend to remain close to underwater hills and mountains. This is because such natural ecosystems serve as a home for organisms that these creatures feed on, Live Science explains.
Writing in yesterday's issue of the journal Nature, researchers argue that, all things considered, global warming and climate change are likely to upset the behavior and range of several other marine species.