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Kaşalot

Physeter macrocephalus

Vulnerable ?
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
70 years
Length
16.0 m
Weight
45.0 t
Population
300.0K
Trend
? Unknown
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About

The largest toothed predator on Earth, sperm whales reach up to 20 meters and dive deeper than 2,000 meters for up to 90 minutes in pursuit of giant squid. Their massive square heads contain the spermaceti organ, which focuses powerful echolocation clicks used for communication and prey detection. Found in all deep oceans, sperm whales were heavily hunted for spermaceti oil in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Fun Facts

  • They can dive to depths of over 2,000 meters.
  • Sperm whales produce ambergris, once worth more than gold.
  • They sleep vertically.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in diverse ecosystems where prey species are available.

Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (4 countries), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Diet & Behavior

🥩
Carnivore
Kaşalot is classified as carnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🥩 Carnivore
Animal matter 100%

Conservation Status

VU Vulnerable
Estimated Population
300.0K
Population Trend
? Unknown

Names in Other Languages

Chinese 抹香鯨
Spanish Ballena Esperma
French Cachalot
Portuguese Cachalote
Arabic عنبر (anbar)
Turkish Kaşalot

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Kaşalot?
The scientific name of Kaşalot is Physeter macrocephalus. It belongs to the genus Physeter.
What is the conservation status of Kaşalot?
Kaşalot (Physeter macrocephalus) is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is unknown.
Where does Kaşalot live?
Kaşalot is found in Widely distributed across Asia (Taiwan), Europe (4 countries), and South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela). Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.. Countries include Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, Venezuela.
What family does Kaşalot belong to?
Kaşalot (Physeter macrocephalus) belongs to the genus Physeter, which is part of the taxonomic family Physeteridae.
What does Kaşalot eat?
Kaşalot is carnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does Kaşalot live?
Kaşalot has an average lifespan of approximately 70 years in the wild.
How many Kaşalot are left in the wild?
The estimated wild population of Kaşalot (Physeter macrocephalus) is approximately 300,000 individuals.
Is Kaşalot endangered?
Yes, Kaşalot (Physeter macrocephalus) is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means it faces a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Native Range — 8 Countries

Genus Physeter — 1 Species

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Kaşalot
Physeter macrocephalus
VU

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