* Many species are difficult to count: Whales are migratory and live in vast oceans. Tracking their populations is challenging and often relies on estimates.
* Numbers fluctuate: Whale populations are influenced by factors like climate change, pollution, fishing practices, and food availability. Their numbers are constantly changing.
* Not all species are endangered: While some whale species are critically endangered, others are considered relatively stable.
Instead of a specific number, it's more accurate to say:
* There are many whale species that are not extinct.
* Many whale species are recovering from past threats thanks to conservation efforts.
* The conservation status of many whale species remains precarious.
If you're interested in specific whale species, you can research their individual populations and conservation status. Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provide detailed information on the status of various whale species.