Description
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Context
- Recently a dead body of sperm whale was found on the shore of the Canary Island of La Palma.
- During post-mortem ambergris of €500,000 value was found in its colon.
Ambergris
- In French it means grey amber.
- It is a waxy substance, also known as white gold, produced from the digestive system of sperm whales.
- Known as whale vomit, it combines a strong marine odour with faecal odour.
- The fresh ambergris appears a fatty and light yellowish substance. However over time it turns waxy and red brownish, grey & black in color.
- In India, ambergris trade is banned.
Sperm Whale and Legal provision
- It is a protected species in India under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
- Ambergris and its by product trade is illegal in India under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- They are listed as vulnerable in IUCN red list.
Must Read Article:
More information on Ambergris and Sperm whale
https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ambergris
https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/ambergris-7
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Consider the following statements about sperm whale:
1. Ambergis, which is a by-product of digestive system of sperm whales, is valued and is expensive due to its use in perfume industry.
2. Sperm whale is a critically endangered species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A)
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https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/ambergris-dead-whale-what-is-this-8773672/
