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It is the only living member of the genus Physeter and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia . The sperm whale is a pelagic mammal with a worldwide range, and will migrate seasonally for feeding and breeding. [5]
- Vessel Strikes
- Entanglement in Fishing Gear
- Ocean Noise
- Marine Debris
- Climate Change
- Oil Spills and Contaminants
Vessel strikes can injure or kill sperm whales. Few vessel strikes of sperm whales have been documented, but vessel traffic worldwide is increasing, which increases the risk of collisions. Additionally, since sperm whales spend long periods (typically up to 10 minutes) “rafting” at the surface between deep dives, they are more vulnerable to vessel ...
Sperm whales can become entangled in many different types of fishing gear, including trap lines, pots, and gillnets. Once entangled, they may swim for long distances dragging attached gear, potentially resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, reduced reproductive success, severe injury, or death. Sperm whales have also been documented to ...
Underwater noise pollution can interrupt the normal behavior of sperm whales, which rely on sound to communicate. As ocean noise increases from human sources, communication space decreases—the whales cannot hear each other, or discern other signals in their environment as they used to in an undisturbed ocean. Different levels of sound can disturb a...
Sperm whales can ingest marine debris, as do many marine animals. Debris in the deep scattering layer where sperm whales feed could be mistaken for prey and incidentally ingested, leading to possible injury or death.
The effects of climate and oceanographic change on sperm whales are uncertain, but both can potentially affect habitat and food availability. Whale migration, feeding, and breeding locations for sperm whales may be influenced by factors such as ocean currents and water temperature. Increases in global temperatures are expected to have profound impa...
The threat of contaminants and pollutants to sperm whales and their habitat is highly uncertain and further study is necessary to assess the effects of this threat. Little is known about the possible long-term and transgenerational effects of exposure to pollutants. Marine mammals are considered to be good indicators for concentrations of metal and...
May 21, 2024 · sperm whale, ( Physeter macrocephalus ), the largest of the toothed whales, easily recognized by its enormous square head and narrow lower jaw. The sperm whale is dark blue-gray or brownish, with white patches on the belly. It is thickset and has small paddlelike flippers and a series of rounded humps on its back.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Nov 14, 2022 · The sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus, is the largest of the toothed whales. It is a deep diver, and uses most of the ice-free waters of the globe greater than 1000 m deep 1.
Sperm whales were historically heavily hunted, and today are globally designated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2. The genetically distinct Mediterranean subpopulation, however, is considered Endangered , due to the fact that there are estimated to be fewer than 2,500 individuals and the persistent threats of ship strikes and entanglement throughout the area 23 .
Size: 49 to 59 feet. Weight: 35 to 45 tons. Size relative to a bus: IUCN Red List Status: ? Vulnerable. LC. NT. VU. EN. CR. EW. EX. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Unknown. Sperm...
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See all species. Sperm whales are totally unique. Colossal giants of the deep, their presence commands a reverent awe. They possess the largest brain in the animal kingdom and spend much of their lives in the light-starved depths of the oceans hunting prey. Other name: Cachalot; Pot whale. IUCN conservation status: Vulnerable.
