Extinction Looms for North Atlantic Right Whales.

Adult female North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) with calf. (Credit: NOAA / Public Domain)

After a year with no recorded births, and at least 17 deaths due to ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements, the North Atlantic right whale population is plummeting, and the species could become extinct by 2040.

Ever since humans hunted the North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, to the brink of extinction by the end of the 19th century, the outlook for the long-term survival of this species has been truly depressing. But the situation significantly worsened this year: after experiencing 17 deaths, the whales’ four-month calving season will conclude at the end of March with no recorded births.

By Grrl Scientist.

Full story at Forbes.