Did you know the Right Whale's Journey ?

From Whalers’ Choice to Conservation Icon: The Right Whale’s Journey🐬

There are now three recognized species of right whales, the Southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), and the North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica). 

The right whale got its name because it was the "right" whale to hunt, it was slow moving and floated after being killed. Their oil rich blubber & baleen made them valuable, leading to drastic population declines. While the Southern right whale is making a comeback, with populations growing at impressive rates, the North Atlantic and North Pacific species remain critically endangered.

These majestic creatures inhabit various oceanic regions. For instance, Southern right whales roam the waters of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and South Africa, while North Atlantic right whales are primarily found along the eastern coast of the United States and Canada. Their feeding habits are equally fascinating, as they primarily consume zooplankton—Northern species prefer copepods, whereas Southern right whales tend to feed on krills.

One of the intriguing aspects of right whale reproductive behavior is that females mate with multiple males in large groups, emphasizing the importance of sperm quantity over competition. After a gestation period of about 12 months, North Atlantic right whale calves are born during the winter months, while Southern right whale calves arrive between July and October. These calves stay with their mothers for their first year, learning vital feeding ground locations, which is crucial for their survival.

Remarkably, research has advanced significantly through innovative techniques like photo-identification and satellite telemetry, allowing scientists to track individual whales and their migratory patterns. This research has revealed alarming threats to their survival, particularly for North Atlantic right whales, where over 60% show signs of entanglement with fishing gear and face dangers from ship strikes.

Currently, the North Pacific right whale is critically endangered, with estimates indicating fewer than 31 individuals remaining. In contrast, Southern right whales have made significant strides in recovery, achieving growth rates of 7-8% per year since hunting ceased, raising their status to Least Concern in many regions.

The ongoing conservation efforts highlight both the resilience of these remarkable creatures and the urgent need to protect them from human-induced threats. As we learn more about their lives and the challenges they face, there remains hope that with concerted efforts, the story of the right whale can shift from one of decline to a narrative of recovery and thriving populations.

Written by – T.V.K. Hashini Nawoda

4th year (20/21 Batch)

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