Introduction to taxonomy of whales

It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to state the exact figures relating to the entire whale population. This uncertainty results from the current methods of calculation and also historical mistakes – both accidental and deliberate – concerning calculation. Gillespie recommends caution regarding all estimates, and opines that, generally speaking, long-term non-lethal studies of certain whale species, such as the right and humpback whales, result in more reliable population estimates than vessel-based surveys conducted every five years. According to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), threats to cetaceans can be said to include two broad categories. The first are those that result in death in the short term, such as direct hunting and accidental or incidental mortality (e.g. bycatches in fishing gear, ship strikes). The second category of longer-term threats is more difficult to identify and especially to quantify. These threats can be said to affect the ‘overall fitness’ of the population with respect to reproductive success or survivorship and are generally related to environmental degradation (including such factors as chemical pollution, noise pollution, overexploitation of prey, disturbance, climate change, etc.). Environmental threats can adversely influence populations of all species. Detailed data for whale species may be obtained from papers and reports of the IWC Scientific Committee, marine mammal status reports published by the US (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/) and documents produced for the IUCN Red List (www.iucnredlist.org/). This Annex is mainly based on the IUCN listing,

Whales are mammals belonging to the order of cetacean. There are about 86 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. The cetaceans are divided into three major groups: the Odontoceti or toothed whales; the Mysticeti or baleen (moustache whales); and the Archeoceti or ancient whales, which are extinct. The 1946 Whaling Convention does not define the term ‘whale’. However, a list of names in a number of languages was annexed to the Final Act of the Convention. Consequently, the jurisdiction of the IWC over the various types of whales is a matter of much controversy and the subject of dispute between various parties. (This is examined in Chapters 3, 6 and 8.)

Species of whales

Right whales (Eubalena spp.)

Right whales acquired their name due to being deemed the ‘right’ type of whale to hunt. They are listed by the IUCN as ‘endangered’.