| Bowhead Whale | ||
|---|---|---|
 Balaena mysticetus | ||
| Information | ||
| Range | Northern waters, Arctic Ocean | |
| Estimated Population | Increasing | |
| Scientific Classification | ||
| Kingdom | Animalia | |
| Phylum | Chordata | |
| Class | Mammalia | |
| Order | Cetacea | |
| Family | Balanidae | |
| Genus | Balaena | |
| Species | • B. mysticetus | |
| Conservation Status (IUCN 3.1) | ||
 Least Concern | ||
The Bowhead Whale (Balaena mysticetus) is a thriving species of Right Whale found in cold arctic waters. Interestingly, it has the largest mouth of any whale, which it uses to eat several servings of small food each day! It's population was declining fast due to whaling before it became illegal, and the population is now quickly increasing.
Conservation[]
Since whaling has ceased, the population has seen some very positive numbers. Around Alaska, the whales are very common and have a large population. Off and around Alaska, the population in 2001 was only about 10,500, and around West Greenland in 2006 there were only 1,200. Now, the population has rebounded enough so that the whales are considered "Least Concern," mostly due to no more whaling. Some scientists do worry, however, that the melting of ice caps could significantly effect the population for the worst on future years.
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| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered • Endangered • Near Threatened • Vulnerable • Least Concern • Data Deficient • Not Evaluated |