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Source-This post on “North Atlantic right whales” has been created based on the article “Critically endangered right whales are shrinking, with drastic consequences for their population″ published in “LiveScience” on 29 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently scientists have discovered that North Atlantic right whales are getting smaller due to climate change. It is negatively impacting their ability to breed.
About North Atlantic right whales
| Aspect | Details |
| About | 1) It is a species of large baleen whale found in the North Atlantic Ocean. 2) The North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. |
| Characteristics | 1) It has white calluses on its head. 2) It lacks a dorsal fin and has a broad back. 3) Its mouth is long and arched, starting above the eye. 4) As a baleen whale, it feeds on small organisms like zooplankton and krill. 5) They use baleen plates in their mouths to filter food from the water as they swim. 5) They are often seen in coastal waters during breeding season. 6) Right whales communicate using low-frequency moans, groans, and pulses. |
| Habitat | 1) North Atlantic right whales inhabit coastal waters predominantly along the eastern coast of North America from Florida to Canada. 2) They are also found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. |
| Conservation Status | IUCN List of Threatened Species: Critically Endangered |
| Conservation efforts | 1) Implementing rules to minimize fishing gear entanglement. 2) Enforcing speed limits for ships in areas where the whales are commonly found. |
| Threats | 1) Threats like entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, climate change is altering their migratory patterns, feeding areas, and breeding ability. 2) Ocean noise affects their communication, food search, and navigation abilities. |
UPSC SYLLABUS-ENVIRONMENT (species in news)
