Narwhals: Arctic Whales with Mysterious Spiral Tusks

Why in the News?

A recent study highlights the narwhal’s tusk function, revealing its role in mating, dominance, and fish stunning. Additionally, concerns over climate change and Arctic habitat loss have raised discussions about their conservation status as a Near Threatened species.

Narwhals: Arctic Whales with Mysterious Spiral Tusks

Unique Features of Narwhals:

  • The narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is an Arctic whale often called the “unicorn of the sea.”
  • Males possess a long, spiral tusk, an extended upper jaw tooth with millions of nerve endings, making it highly sensitive.
  • The tusk is believed to aid in mating displays, dominance, and stunning fish like Arctic char before consumption.
  • Narwhals change color with age:
    • Newborns: Blue-gray
    • Juveniles: Blue-black
    • Adults: Mottled gray
    • Older Narwhals: Nearly white

Habitat, Diet, and Behavior

  • Polygynous species, mating occurs from March to May, with females giving birth to a single calf tail-first.
  • They inhabit Arctic waters near Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.
  • Their diet includes Greenland halibut, Arctic and polar cod, squid, and shrimp.
  • Narwhals are deep divers, reaching depths of up to 1,500 meters to hunt for food.

Threats and Conservation

  • Oil and gas development, climate change, and melting ice threaten their Arctic habitat.
  • Listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their survival as environmental changes accelerate.