Why is the declining fin whale population a great cause of concern?

            Fin whales are the second largest mammals in the world, after blue whales. They are also among the fastest of rorquals that can reach up to 37 kilometres in an hour. Hence, a fin whale is also called the greyhound of the sea.

            In physical appearance, fin whales are light grey to brown-black colour on the upper surface, and white on the lower.

            Another important feature is their dorsal fin which can be as long as 60 cms in length. It is said that these mammals that grow up to 26 metres in length and 114 tonnes in weight can dive to depths of 230 metres! Typically, females in this species are larger than their male counterparts.

            Fin whales are known to have a global distribution but they are mainly seen in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Arctic Oceans. However, due to their slim population, these whales are classified as endangered. The major threat before the species is hunting.

            Besides that chemical pollution too largely contribute to the decline of their population.

Picture credit: google