Brazil's humpback whales rebound from 2,000 to nearly 35,000 in two decades
Humpback whale populations in the South Atlantic have recovered significantly, growing from 2,000 to 35,000 over four decades following a ban on commercial whaling. Brazil's protection of breeding grounds like the Abrolhos Bank has been instrumental in this success.
Why it matters
This recovery serves as a successful case study for international conservation efforts and the effectiveness of long-term environmental policy.
Humpback whales are returning in large numbers to Brazil’s coast after being pushed close to extinction by commercial whaling. Their population in the South Atlantic has risen from about 2,000 to around 35,000 in roughly 40 years, bringing the species close to its population levels before large-scale whaling.According to Science X, the recovery is now clearly visible along Brazil’s coast, including around Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay where thousands of humpback whales pass through Brazilian waters every year during their migration. Their return has also increased interest in whale-watching trips.The warm waters off Brazil are an important breeding ground for Southern Atlantic humpbacks. Between June and November, the whales travel about 4,000 kilometres from feeding grounds in the Southern Ocean to breeding and calving areas off northeastern Brazil.
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