Details
Eubalaena australis
The southern right whale is a large baleen whale of Southern Hemisphere oceans. Seasonal and loosely social, it uses both open seas and sheltered coasts.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It feeds in open ocean and uses calmer coastal waters for breeding. Its range is tied to the Southern Ocean and Atlantic-side waters.
Body length is about 13-17 m and weight about 30-80 metric tons. It lacks a dorsal fin and has a heavy body, arched mouth, and head callosities.
It migrates seasonally between feeding and breeding areas. Individuals swim alone or in loose groups and may rest near coasts.
It is carnivorous, filtering small crustaceans and zooplankton. Baleen plates strain fine prey from the water.
Calves are born in warmer, sheltered waters and grow on rich milk. Mother and calf may remain near the coast before migrating.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Some populations have recovered after whaling, but ship strikes and entanglement remain concerns.
