Iceland’s government has announced the resumption of fin whale hunting after a two-month hiatus. However, they have introduced new guidelines aimed at minimizing suffering during the hunting process. Fin whales, the world’s second-largest mammals after blue whales, are known for their distinctive fin on their backs and remarkable speed in the oceans. They can grow up to 20 meters in length, weigh around 70,000 kilograms, and have a unique white lower right jaw. These creatures primarily inhabit temperate and polar zones but can migrate to colder waters for feeding, living up to 80 to 90 years. They are currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Balaenoptera physalus: This is the scientific name for the fin whale, a large marine mammal found in various oceanic regions.
- Common rorqual: Rorqual is a term used to describe a group of baleen whales, including the fin whale, characterized by pleated throat grooves that expand when they feed.
- Migratory: This term refers to the behavior of certain populations of fin whales, which move between different oceanic regions during different seasons, often for feeding or breeding.
- IUCN Red List: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List is a global database that assesses the conservation status of various species. “Vulnerable” is one of the categories used to classify species at risk of extinction.
- Razorback: Fin whales are sometimes called “razorbacks” due to the distinct ridge along their back, which is located behind the dorsal fin and gives them a unique appearance among whales.