Whaleopedia, a new Bluecology project, is an educational resource for those who want to learn about the natural history of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, known as cetaceans. Conceived and designed by Animal Fund, Whaleopedia is based on their book The World’s Whales: The Complete Illustrated Guide, published by the Smithsonian Institution.
Many of us feel a sense of wonder and kinship for whales, dolphins, and porpoises, which are collectively known as cetaceans. We are awed by their size, intelligence, and social nature, and we recognize that they play an important role in balancing the oceanic environment.
As we learn about their way of life, our responsibility to protect whales from human activities becomes urgent. Several species of great whales have been depleted to the point of near-extinction for oil, fertilizer, pet food, and cosmetics. In more recent years, prey depletion, vessel traffic, pollution, entanglement in fishing nets, sonar testing, whaling, and climate change threaten cetaceans’ lives and livelihood.
An appreciation for their astonishing abilities and vulnerabilities will help us to better protect all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Whaleopedia is dedicated to that greater knowledge and the hope for their continued survival.
See Whaleopedia’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Whaleopedia-105901554724446