When and why did the Southern Right Whale become endangered?

The Southern Right Whale was brought to the brink of extinction primarily due to extensive whaling during the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was hunted for its blubber, which was used for oil. By the early 20th century, populations had drastically declined, leading to its classification as endangered. Although whaling was banned in the 1930s, the species continues to face threats from entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and habitat degradation, hindering its recovery. Conservation efforts are ongoing to help boost its numbers.