The following is a table showing the approximate sizes and weights of whales found in the southern hemisphere, and the best estimates of their original and present abundance.
Kind of whales |
Length (metres) |
Approximate weight (tonnes) |
Original population estimate |
Latest population estimate |
| Blue | 23 to 27 | up to 200 | 228,000 | 11,700 |
| Humpback | 11 to 16 | about40 | 115,000 | 10,000 |
| Orca (Killer) | 8 to 10 | up to 9 | 53,000 (southern hemisphere) | |
| Minke | about 9 | about 10 | 490,000 | 880,000 |
| Sei | about 16 | about 25 | 256,000 | 54,000 |
| Sperm | up to 12 (females)
up to 19 (males) |
about 14
about 40 |
2,400,000 | 1,950,000 |
| Southern Right | 13 to 18 | up to 74 | 100,000 right whales | 3,200 right whales |
Table source: Congressional Records Service of the Library
of Congress, 1997. Estimates from the April 1994 issue of
Audobon.