Authorities in Tamil Nadu, India seized 8 kilograms of sperm whale ambergris. Which is also called sperm whale poop or sperm whale vomit.
Ambergris is the waxy substance created in the bile ducts of sperm whales. It has long been used to make perfumes and is served as a delicacy in some countries.
The stuff is so valuable that just one gram can sell for as much as $25. The whole 8 kilograms is considered to be worth more than $1 million.
The illegal trade of ambergris or sperm whale poop is a booming business. As 6 ambergris seizures were followed in July alone in Mumbai and Thane.
While some lucky people may stumble upon the stuff floating in the ocean, that is rarely the case. As many sperm whales end up being hunted down for this precious substance. Which is causing their numbers to dwindle even more.
Sperm whales are considered to be an endangered species and have been for a very long time. They have been overhunted purely for their ambergris to the point of nearly going extinct.
This is another instance of animals being hunted down for one illegal item. Much like elephants and the ivory trade, sperm whales are in constant danger of being hunted for their ambergris.
This article by Abigail Jane was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 30 October 2021. Lead Image Source : Michael Behrens/Unsplash.
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