Friday, April 13, 2012

Crisis among the Right Whale population

The North Atlantic Right whale population is estimated today to be about 350 individuals with fecundity rates dramatically dropping. According to this article by Science Daily if environmental conditions for these whales does not change they could be extinct within the next 200 years.

     Right whales were named by poachers who considered them the "right" whale to kill because they floated when harpooned and were easily brought aboard vessels. Such poaching is now illegal but the damages may be already done for this species.

    The diversity of the Northern Right Whale Species has declined dramatically and gone through a bottleneck. This leaves this species open to biological diseases. Right now the most these whales have to fear is boat strikes and entanglements from fishing vessels. But ever single death is a severe loss in a population that needs all the diversity it can get.

    In contrast the Southern Right Whale population is currently thriving with an estimated 1,000 individuals and a growth rate of 7% per year. Only time will tell if there are hopes for these whales.

2 comments:

  1. It is sad to think that with all of our knowledge and technology that we are still responsible for many species going extinct. What we normally don't realize is what role a species plays in an environment until its too late. If the North Atlantic Right whale goes extinct, what will that change in the ecosystem? When we upset the balance of nature, it usually is not in our best interest. Although there are 350 estimated individuals left, the gene pool of this species is dwindling down to nothing and soon enough the population will not be able to come back if nothing is done!

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  2. Its disappointing to see another species fighting for survival due to neglect to preserve the species on the side of humans. We have become so reckless in our ways that we can not help, but to hold ourselves back from taking more than we need or killing aimlessly. Hopefully, this species and other whales species will rebound with conservation efforts against poaching increasing.

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