Endangered Species Guide : Mammals : Animal Planet

Endangered Mammals

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SPERM WHALE (Physeter macrocephalus)

The sperm whale is the world's largest carnivore. It can grow to a length of more than 60 feet, and has a huge boxlike head that makes up more than one-third of its total length. It is an impressive diver, plunging to depths of nearly 4,000 feet and staying submerged for almost two hours at a time. The sperm whale is found in deep waters worldwide and is threatened by hunting, being caught in fishing gear and colliding with ships.

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IUCN Status: Vulnerable
USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Hunting, being caugh in fishing gear and colliding with ships
Habitat: Open ocean
Location: Worldwide oceans
Diet: Giant squid, octopus, fish and other marine animals

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Pictures: DAJ / Getty Images |

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