EcoWorld - Whales

The Northern and Southern Right Whales are large and stocky, but very active for their size. The northern Right Whales are on average the larger of the two species, with females being slightly larger than males. They are blue-black to light brown in color, with white markings. The Right Whales have a horny growth of "callosities" on and around their heads, near the blowhole, around the rostrum, above the eyes and on the jaw.

As the name suggests, the Northern Right Whale can only be found in the northern hemisphere. Small concentrations can be found in the North Pacific and the North Atlantic. Southern Right Whales are found seasonally around Australia and New Zealand, South Africa and South America. In winter they are happiest breeding in warmer waters, and return to polar waters in the summer for feeding.

Weight: weight ranges between 40-80 tonnes (44 to 88 tons).

Length: between 13.5-17m (44 to 56 feet) in length.

Lifespan: unknown.

Habitat and Range: Both species of Right Whale can be found in polar waters. In summer Right Whales are typically found in temperate and subpolar seas. Although it appears that calving seems to take place in shallow bays near coastlines, there is insufficient evidence for this in some areas.

Endangered Status: < 1,000 animals. Northern Atlantic population < 300.
The most endangered great whale, with full species extinction expected within 190 years.