Why is Whale Vomit Worth Millions ? from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

WHY IS WHALE VOMIT WORTH MILLIONS?

• Ambergris, a waxy substance produced by sperm whales, is a highly expensive natural material.
• Often referred to as "floating gold," it's a substance that goes from being a byproduct of whale digestion to an ingredient in high-end perfumes.
• This unique journey and its rarity contribute to its multi-million dollar value.

• Ambergris, meaning "grey amber" in French, is a waxy substance that originates in the digestive system of protected sperm whales.
• It is often wrongly referred to as whale vomit, though it is not the result of vomiting.
• Sperm whales consume large quantities of squid and cuttlefish, much of which cannot be digested.
• While some of this indigestible matter is expelled through vomiting, a portion binds together in the whale's intestines, eventually forming ambergris.
• Occasionally, ambergris is excreted and found floating in the sea.
• However, it can sometimes grow so large that it ruptures the whale's intestines, leading to the whale’s death

• Freshly expelled ambergris: Soft, waxy, and greasy consistency.
• Transformation over time: Exposed to sunlight, saltwater, and air, it undergoes weathering and oxidation.
• Hardened form: Outer layers become crusty and rock-like, while the inside may retain some of its softer, waxier texture. This is the form typically found washed ashore.

• Ambergris is a rare substance that is highly sought after in the perfume industry.
• It is used as a fixative, which means that it helps to make fragrances last longer on the skin.
• This ability to enhance and prolong scent makes it a highly desirable ingredient in high-end perfumes, which drives its price up significantly.
• Depending on its quality, ambergris can fetch prices up to $40,000 per kilogram.

• Legal Status:
  • Legal in some countries (e.g., United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, and Maldives).
  • Illegal in others, including India.
• India: Sale and trade of ambergris are strictly prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Reason for prohibition: Sperm whales, the source of ambergris, are an endangered species protected by law. They were declared endangered in 1970 due to hunting and environmental threats.
• Purpose of the ban: To protect sperm whales and discourage any activity that could harm or endanger the whale population.

• Sperm whales, also known as cachalots, are the largest of the toothed whale species.
• The name "sperm whale" derives from spermaceti, a waxy substance found in their heads that helps them to focus sound waves, playing a key role in their deep-sea hunting strategies.
• Distribution: found in almost all marine regions.
• Habitat: They inhabit deep marine waters (generally deeper than 1000 meters).
• Threats: Major threats to sperm whales include fishing activities and marine pollution.

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix I (prohibits international trade)
• Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule II (protected species)
• CMS: Appendix I (listed under the Convention on Migratory Species)