Researchers believe they have come upon a new species of great whale living in the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers believe they have come upon a new species of great whale living in the Gulf of Mexico.
If their theory proves to be true it would also mean that with a total population of around 50, the whales would be the most endangered on the planet.
Until recently the small group was thought to be a cluster of Bryde’s whales, a sort known for its preference for warm waters, love of crustaceans, and enormous size.
Fully grown, they can weigh about 90 thousand pounds and measure over 50 feet long.
Though the mystery whales share some of these characteristics, a genetic test revealed that their relationship to the Bryde’s population might be a slightly distant one.
According to one of the scientists, if they’re not an entirely new kind, there’s a good chance that they’re at least a subspecies.
The DNA examination also suggested that they were once much more plentiful than they are now.
What caused the previous shrinking of their population is uncertain, but scientists are quite aware of what threats they face now.
Toxicity resulting from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill is high on the list of dangers. Heavy shipping traffic is also a concern.
