Ambergris

• Ambergris, worth Rs 4 crore, was recently found in dead whale.
• Ambergris which means grey amber in French, is a waxy substance that originates from the digestive system of protected sperm whales.
• The freshly passed ambergris is a light yellowish
• Ambergris is produced only by an estimated 1% of sperm whales.
• It is a rare substance, which contributes to its high demand and high price in the international market.
• Traditionally, It is used to produce perfumes which have notes of musk.
• While there are records of it being used to flavour food, alcoholic beverages and tobacco in some cultures in the past.
• Although there is a ban on the possession and trade of ambergris in countries like the USA, Australia and India, in several other countries it is a tradable commodity.

ABOUT SPERM WHALE (ALSO CALLED CACHALOT)

• Sperm whales (Physeter catodon) are the largest of the toothed whales and have one of the widest global distributions of any marine mammal species.
• The sperm whale is dark blue-gray or brownish, with white patches on the belly.
• It is thickset and has small paddle like flippers and a series of rounded humps on its back.
• It is found in temperate and tropical waters throughout the world.
• Protection status
  • IUCN red list: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule 2