AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Megaptera novaeangliae
Humpback Whale
(Borowski, 1781)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large cetacean known for its long pectoral fins and acrobatic leaps.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
YubartaGubarte
Humpback whale
Baleia-pretaTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Artiodactyla
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Balaenopteridae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Megaptera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Borowski, 1781)
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Increasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Winter
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Cosmopolitan; migrates between polar feeding areas and tropical breeding areas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Famous for its complex songs that can last for hours.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Social during feeding; cooperative groups called bubble nets.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Filter feeder. Consumes krill and small fish using baleen plates.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
As a secondary consumer, it transfers nutrients between ocean latitudes.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Breed in warm tropical waters where calves are safe from predators.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1200.0 - 1600.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
25000.00 kg - 40000.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
5 - 10 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
11 - 12
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males45 - 95 Years
Females45 - 95 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Tubercles on the head that improve hydrodynamics.
Large pectoral fins that grant it exceptional agility for its size.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Entanglement in fishing gear and marine noise pollution.
Collisions with large vessels on migratory routes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Each population has a unique song that changes gradually over time.
They can migrate more than 25,000 kilometers a year, one of the longest distances for any mammal.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
