Conservation
Physeter catodon sperm whale tail fluke.
Conservation Status
The IUCN Red List (2009) has the sperm whale listed as VU (vulnerable). The species is also currently listed as CITES Appendix I.
Threats
Commercial whaling activities were formerly the biggest threat to this species. Entanglement in fishing gear and collision with shipping are also considered potential threats, as are anthropogenic noise disturbance and chemical pollution.