The North Atlantic Right Whale

The North Atlantic right whale (scientific name eubalaena glacialis) is a subspecies of baleen whale that mostly inhabits the waters of the Atlantic coast of North America. It can grow between 45 and 55 feet long, and it can weigh, at most, 140,000 pounds. It was given the "right" part of its name by early whalers, as they considered it to be the "right" subspecies of whale to hunt. It is easily distinguishable from other species of whale by the white calluses on its head, which are very noticeable against its dark gray body. It also has a broad back that lacks a dorsal fin and a long arching mouth that begins above its eyes. Like other subspecies of baleen whale, it has this mouth open, and it also has its head slightly above the surface of the water, when it swims through swarms of plankton in order to eat them.

The North Atlantic right whale is classified as an Endangered species. It is this close to becoming extinct for four reasons. The first reason is that its populations have historically been decimated as a result of over-whaling. The second reason is that it is killed as a result of colliding with the ships that go through its habitat. The third reason is that it is seriously injured or killed as a result of getting tangled in fishing nets. The fourth reason is that the species of plants and animals it eats may move out of its habitat as a result of climate change. Because of all this, the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF's) effort to save it consists of working to make the International Whaling Commission (IWC) more effective in reducing all of these threats to it.

Source for picture and all information: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/north-atlantic-right-whale