Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are the longest-lived mammals. Aspartic acid racemization of eye-lens nuclei from whales taken in Inuit subsistence hunts in Alaska estimated one male at about 211 years old; antique harpoon points recovered from living bowheads corroborate lifespans exceeding a century.
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Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are the longest-lived mammals. Aspartic acid racemization of eye-lens nuclei from whales taken in Inuit subsistence hunts in Alaska estimated one male at about 211 years old; antique harpoon points recovered from living bowheads corroborate lifespans exceeding a century.
The greatest age estimated for an individual of any mammal species, using validated biological age-dating methods.
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1 accepted Claim, with 1 linked evidence records.
Permanent ID limitsregistry.com/limits/LR-LONGEST-LIVED-MAMMAL-BOWHEAD-WHALE
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Limits Registry. LR-LONGEST-LIVED-MAMMAL-BOWHEAD-WHALE. Longest-lived mammal species. 2026.