North Atlantic Right Whale – Species Description

Common Name: North Atlantic Right Whale
Scientific Name: Eubalaena glacialis

Habitat

The North Atlantic Right Whale is primarily found in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Their range extends from the coastal waters of Canada and New England in the summer months, migrating to warmer waters off the southeastern United States during the winter. These whales prefer shallow, coastal areas where they can easily feed and are often spotted near the Gulf of Maine, Cape Cod, and the shores of Georgia and Florida.

Physical Characteristics

North Atlantic Right Whales are among the largest whales in the world, reaching lengths of up to 50 feet (15 meters) and weighing as much as 70 tons (64 metric tonnes). Their bodies are robust and characterized by a dark color, usually black, with lighter patches known as callosities, which are unique to each individual. These whales have a broad back and lack a dorsal fin, possessing instead a gentle slope from head to tail. Their large baleen plates can measure up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length, allowing them to filter-feed efficiently.

Behavior

North Atlantic Right Whales are generally solitary or found in small groups. They are known for their slow swimming speeds, typically cruising at about 5 miles per hour (8 km/h). They exhibit a range of behaviors including surface feeding, where they skim the water’s surface to capture zooplankton. Their unique behavior of using their baleen to filter-feed makes them an interesting species for southern right whale researchers. Additionally, they are known for breaching, flipper slapping, and logging (floating on the water’s surface).

Diet

The diet of the North Atlantic Right Whale primarily consists of zooplankton, particularly copepods and krill. They are filter feeders, using their baleen plates to strain small organisms from the water. During feeding, they are known to engage in a behavior called skimming, where they swim slowly through the water with their mouths open, allowing food to enter while pushing out excess water.

Reproduction

North Atlantic Right Whales have a long gestation period of approximately 12 months. Breeding typically occurs in the winter months, with calving generally observed from December to March. Calves are born weighing around 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms), and they remain dependent on their mothers for about a year. Notably, females exhibit maternal care behaviors by frequently nursing and guiding calves during migration.

Conservation Status

The North Atlantic Right Whale is classified as critically endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 340 individuals remaining in the wild. This species faces threats from ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and climate change, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.

Interesting Facts

One fascinating fact about the North Atlantic Right Whale is that they were heavily targeted in the whaling industry due to their slow swimming speeds and tendency to float after being killed. Their name reflects the perception of being the “right whale” to hunt, resulting in severe population declines. In addition, these whales can live over 70 years, with some individuals documented to have lived more than a century.

Role in Ecosystem

North Atlantic Right Whales play a significant role in their ecosystem as filter feeders, helping to regulate zooplankton populations. Their feeding behaviors contribute to nutrient cycling within the ocean and can promote the health of marine environments. Additionally, as a keystone species, their presence impacts predator-prey relationships and the overall biodiversity of their habitat.