About the Beluga Whale

Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas), also known as white whales, are easily recognised by their all-white colour and bulbous foreheads. Belugas are medium-sized cetaceans, measuring 3-5 metres (10 to 16 feet) in length.

They thrive in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. Belugas are well adapted to icy conditions; they lack dorsal fins to reduce heat loss and avoid injury from sharp ice, making it easier to navigate beneath frozen surfaces. They are highly sociable and known for their diverse range of vocalisations, earning them the nickname “canaries of the sea.” Belugas use echolocation to locate prey such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. They often gather in pods to hunt, migrate, or nurture their young, forming strong social bonds. 

Belugas are relatively common in their cold water habitats and are often seen in large pods.

They face threats from habitat degradation, pollution (especially heavy metals and chemicals), and noise disturbance from shipping and industrial activities.

Warming ocean temperatures and decreasing ice cover can alter their habitat and affect the ecosystems of their prey.

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