Blue whale population finally showing signs of recovery

Blue whales are the largest animals on our planet that can weigh up to 200 tons, but even these gigantic animals were walking very close towards the very edge of extinction, because of us humans, and our merciless whale hunting. For many thousands of years they were protected because humans didn't have nor the adequate weapon not the adequate vehicles to hunt them down but sadly the invention of of steam-powered whaling ships and exploding harpoons contributed to excessive whale hunting that in period of just over 50 years (from 1905-1960) killed more than 350,000 whales from around 360,000 in the beginning of the 20th century to only 5000 in 1960.

Luckily in the last fifty years whale hunting ban did the trick and blue whale population is showing signs of recovery, according to some scientists they are thriving in Antarctic by 6% a year, while in Atlantic around 3-4 % a year. Current number is still way below the number of the beginning of the 20th century but at least we can talk about steady progress, and by the current looks of it the largest animal on our planet will avoid extinction, well at least for time being.

About 200 animals have been recorded in the eastern Atlantic and 440 in the west which is something that hasn't been seen for years, and it could mean recovery in population of these giants. Of course if the hunting ban stays in place, and climate change doesn't mess entire ocean food chain.

Blue whales - The largest animals of our planet showing signs of population increase.