How many humpback whales exist?
The estimations of the current population vary widely: some speak of 5,000-7,000 animals, and others of 12,000-14,000 animals. Even if there were 14,000 animals, that would only be a fraction of the originally estimated population of approximately 115,000 animals. The humpback whale's existence is, therefore, considered endangered. They received full protection by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in 1963, but are still hunted illegally. Currently there are many efforts being made to save these animals. To date, researchers are feeling very encouraged by the North Pacific population annual increase of about seven percent. Calf mortality still appears to be very low.
