Are sperm whales extinct?

Although the fossil record is poor, several extinct genera have been assigned to the clade Physeteroidea, which includes the last common ancestor of the modern sperm whale, pygmy sperm whales, dwarf sperm whales, and extinct physeteroids. read more

Whales are at the top of the food chain and have an important role in the overall health of the marine environment. Unfortunately their large size and mythical aura does not protect them; six out of the 13 great whale species are classified as endangered, even after decades of protection. read more

Yes, sperm whales are currently considered an endangered species. In fact it is estimated that during the whaling era (which occurred between the 17th and 20th centuries) as many as 1,000,000 sperm whales were killed (possibly more) and had their body parts used for various products and goods. read more