WP/AP: Endangered North Atlantic Whale Gets a Boost

[DeepModem Mom]

Endangered North Atlantic Whale Gets a Boost
27 Births Were Recorded in Recent Calving Season -- Second Only to 2001's 31
Associated Press
Sunday, April 3, 2005; Page A15


BOSTON, April 2 -- A baby boom has given a lift to the endangered North Atlantic right whale, with a near-record number of births in the just-ended calving season, according to researchers at the New England Aquarium.

They warned, however, that the species still faces significant hurdles.

Twenty-seven whales were born during the season that started in mid-December and ended Thursday, second only to the 31 births recorded in 2001, the best year since scientists started tracking the births in the early 1990s. Five years ago, there was only one birth.

The species was hunted nearly to extinction in the late 18th century, and its total population now numbers 325 to 350. Five have died in the past six months, including at least two pregnant whales and two other female whales that were of breeding age.

The newborns face significant obstacles before they can help the population rebound, said Lisa Conger, a senior biologist at the New England Aquarium who tracks the whales....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21864-2005Apr2.html

[Catchawave]

1. It's always hopeful news when a species makes a comeback....

on our fragile earth. Good luck to all those babies, may they grow strong and healthy!

[xchrom]

2. yeah! -- now that's good news.