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Humpback Whale
(Megaptera novaeangliae)
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT THREATS
CURRENT STATUS
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The humpback whale is a large baleen whale found in oceans worldwide. It can grow up to about 50 to 60 feet long and weigh about 30 to 40 tons. Known for its dark body, knobby head, and long white flippers, the humpback is one of the most aerobatic whales. It often breaches high out of the water and slaps its fins or tail on the surface. Humpbacks are also famous for their complex songs. These songs can travel for miles underwater. Their diet mainly consists of krill and small fish which they capture by filtering through their baleen plates. Generally, humpbacks have a long lifespan, on average living about 50 years, but some can live to be 80 or 90 years old.
SPECIES RANGE
Humpback whales live in all the major oceans. During the summer, they feed in colder waters such as those of Alaska. They can also be found off the coast of British Columbia, Oregon, and California. In winter, they breed and give birth in sub-tropical waters near Mexico, Hawaii, and Japan. Some populations travel up to 10,000 miles a year.
THE PROBLEMS
Humpback whales were heavily hunted in the past. This significantly reduced their populations. While their numbers are recovering, certain populations remain at risk. Today, they face threats such as getting caught in fishing gear, colliding with ships, and experiencing changes to their food supply due to climate change. They are also vulnerable to killer whale attacks, which can especially threaten their calves. In some regions, human activities along the coast, such as tourism and marine traffic, may affect their feeding, migration, and breeding behaviors.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your support helps protect the marine mammal species through Operation GRACE and the National Marine Mammal Foundation’s science-driven research, veterinary expertise, and conservation action. Donations directly support health assessments, rescue and response efforts, and collaborative fieldwork with local experts to better understand threats, improve survivability, and protect the river ecosystems these dolphins depend on.
