Welcome back to Green World
Today we're exploring the Mexican gulf and a rather unknown whale species
called the rice's whale (Balaenoptera ricei). The name doesn't have anything
to do with cooking rice, instead, it's been named after Dale W. Rice, a
cetologist.
Rice's whales are found in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. They were
originally considered to be Bryde's whales, due to their almost identical
appearance until genetic analysis in 2021 determined that they are their own
species. They are still often known as Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whales. In April
2019 they were listed as endangered by the NMFS under that name before it was
officially changed in August 2021.
They live in waters about 100-500m deep off the coast of Florida and although
their diet is unknown, suspected food contains lanternfish and hatchet fish.
They do not migrate and remain in the same waters all year round. Due to being
such a recently confirmed species, not much else is known. A washed-up calf
was about 4.6 meters in length. Adults have been measured up to 12 meters in
length and the maximum weight recorded was 27 tons. Their whale song differs
from that of Bryde's whales.
Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico |
Rice's whales are classified as
critically endangered by the IUCN
and are one of the most endangered cetaceans globally. While the population
size is unsure, our best guess lies between 33 and 50 individuals. This number
is declining rapidly. They are protected by the United States Endangered
Species Act, but this may not be enough. An oil spill in 2010 killed nearly
20% of all individuals, showing they are incredibly vulnerable to local
catastrophes. Other threats are industrialisation, pollution, traffic and ship
collisions.
If we don't act soon, the known lifespan of this fascinating creature may have
been ever so short!
Your Green World Teamš
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