Humpback whale

Whaling reduced the population by more than 95% before the moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985

Arendal

The humpback whale can be easily recognized by the hump on their backs and their large flippers, almost one-third of its body length. Their body color varies from black to grey, and with white markings on the belly. These markings are different on every whale that can be used to identify individuals, just like human fingerprints.

One of the longest migrating mammals, some populations swim 8,000km (5,000 miles) annually from polar waters, where they feed, to tropical or subtropical waters to breed and give birth, exhausting their fat reserves. In total, they can migrate a year up to 25,000 km (16,000 miles).

Males produce songs for hours at a time; the purpose was not clear, though it may have a role in mating.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Indian ocean
2018
Pacific ocean
2018
Arctic Ocean
2018
Atlantic Ocean
2018
Mediterranean Sea
2018
Caribbean Sea
2018
Gulf of Mexico
2018
Okhotsk Sea
2018
Bering Sea
2018

Did you know?

  • Have one of the longest migration of any mammals.

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Group

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No

Humpback whale on banknotes

Madagascar 5,000 Ariary Banknote (2017)