New species of whale has been identified in the busy shipping channel in the Gulf of Mexico - but scientists warn there are fewer than 100 left

https://www.dailymail.co.uk ^ | 09:20 EST, 3 February 2021 | By JONATHAN CHADWICK

[Red Badger]

New paper describes species of baleen whale in the Gulf of Mexico - Rice's whale

For many decades Rice's whale was thought to be a subspecies of Bryde's whale

Analysis finally confirms its identity - but its endangered status has not changed

======================================================

A species of baleen whale that is native to the Gulf of Mexico, called Rice's whale, is already threatened by extinction – even though it's only just been properly identified.

US experts unravelled 'a complex species puzzle' with an analysis of a Rice's whale skull, which revealed key morphological differences compared with other baleen whale species.

Rice's whale, which makes its home solely in the Gulf of Mexico, was once considered a subspecies of Bryde's whale – and was known as 'Gulf of Mexico Bryde's Whale'.

Although it is now accepted as a distinct species and rechristened Rice's whale, scientists warn there are fewer than 100 of the creatures left in its native waters.

Significant threats facing Rice's whale are oil spills, vessel strikes, ocean debris and entanglement in fishing gear.

Rice's whale also has a very small population size and limited distribution, which increases the species' vulnerability to such threats.

When it was known as Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whale, the species was listed as endangered – but with this new name it retains its protected status under the Endangered Species Act.

It is also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

To date, there are fewer than 100 Rice whales remaining, making them critically endangered.

[mabarker1]

HEY. !!! HOW ABOUT A WARNING BEFORE POSTING PICS of hitlary ?!?!?

I just about puked 🤢 !!!

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Another Preble’s mouse.