north atlantic right whale
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
-
Common Names
black right whale, north atlantic right whale
Regions
Florida, United StatesCanadaFrance
Population
200
Habitat
coastal and open ocean areas along the eastern coast of North America
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
45,000–70,000 kilogr... and 50–70 years
Regions
Florida, United States, Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, New Hampshire, United States, New York, United States, North Carolina, United States, Norway, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Massachusetts, United States, Morocco, Georgia, United States
The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is a critically endangered marine mammal and one of the rarest large whales in the world. With a robust black body, no dorsal fin, and a broad, deeply notched tail, this whale is easily recognizable. Unique callosities on its head allow researchers to identify individuals. Right whales feed primarily on copepods and other zooplankton, using baleen plates to filter their prey from the water. Their migratory patterns link calving areas in the southeastern United States to feeding grounds in the North Atlantic. Threatened by vessel strikes, fishing gear entanglements, and shifting prey availability due to climate change, their population has been drastically reduced. Conservation efforts include speed limits for vessels, fishing gear modifications, and the establishment of protected zones to mitigate human impacts and ensure the survival of this iconic species.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
