Black Right Whale
Balaena mysticetus
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowhead_whale
Overview
The bowhead whale, sometimes known as the Greenland right whale, Arctic whale, and polar whale, is a species of baleen whale belonging to the family Balaenidae and is the only living representative of the genus Balaena. It is the only baleen whale endemic to the Arctic and subarctic waters, and is named after its characteristic massive triangular skull, which it uses to break through Arctic ice.
The bowhead whale faces severe threats from climate change-induced Arctic ice loss, which disrupts feeding patterns and habitat availability in ice-edge environments. Ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and increasing vessel traffic in newly accessible Arctic waters pose additional significant risks to this slow-moving species.
Habitat
Arctic and subarctic waters, particularly ice-edge environments and pack ice zones where they feed on zooplankton and small schooling fish. They inhabit shallow coastal waters during summer months and move to ice-covered areas during winter.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Black Right Whale classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Black Right Whale live?
What are the main threats to Black Right Whale?
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