The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is the largest toothed whale on Earth, with males known to reach up to 20 meters (66 feet) in length. They are also the deepest diving mammal known, able to remain submerged for up to two hours and to reach depths close to 2,000 meters (nearly 1.5 miles). Sperm whales are found in all oceans except the high Arctic, often in deep water.
Despite their size, physical feats, and geographic spread, sperm whales are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. One global population estimate put their total number at 360,000—less than one-third of pre-whaling levels. Current threats to sperm whale populations include vessel collisions, fishing gear entanglement, consumption of marine debris, pollution, noise, and human recreational activities.
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