Karla News

Beluga (White) Whale Facts

Whales, Whaling

Beluga whales, delphinapterus leucas, are also commonly referred to as white whales and are one of the smallest whale species in the world. They measure 11 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) in length, and weigh anywhere from 2,000 to 3,307 pounds (907 to 1500 kilograms) with males being larger than females. As their white whale name suggests, adults are completely white in color while young ones are grey or even brown. They have no dorsal fin, and instead have a narrow dorsal ridge, allowing them to more easily swim underneath the ice and search for breathing holes. They have notched tails, and broad, paddle-like flippers that they use to swim effortlessly through the water. Unlike most whales, belugas are able to swim backward as well as forward. They are also able to move their necks in a wide variety of motions due to their un-fused neck vertebrae.

Beluga whales can be found in Arctic and sub arctic waters as well as the Cook Inlet and St. Lawrence River. Some will migrate south when the sea freezes over, leaving many that are trapped by the arctic ice to die. Those in warmer waters will sometimes remain permanent residents of their areas. Beluga whales live in groups called pods that contain anywhere from 2 to as many as several hundred individuals. The white whales communicate with each other through a series of clicks, whistles, squeaks, squawks, and even a bell-like clang.

The diet of beluga whales consists of a variety of sea life including smelt, char, salmon, rainbow sole, shrimp, herring, mussels, artic cod, saffron, and even octopus. They forage for their meals on the seabed, often at depths of around 1,000 feet (305 meters). Beluga whales can however, dive twice that deep in order to find the food they seek. Predators that these white whales need to be on the lookout for include polar bears, killer whales (orcas), and the arctic people.

See also  Emperor Penguin Facts

Breeding season for the beluga whales takes place from late winter to early spring. Females will give birth to a single offspring, called a calf, after a gestation period of 14 to 15 months. The calves will nurse for about 2 years, at which time they will start to eat solid food. It takes 7 years for females to fully change from their grey (or brown) color to their trademark white. For males, this process takes up to 9 years. If the calves can survive long enough, then they can live to be up to 50 years old.

Beluga whales are a critically endangered species of whale. Their greatest threat comes from unregulated human hunting of the creatures. Vehicle collisions, disease, climate change and a decrease in their food source are also playing parts in their decline. Thankfully, belugas are now under the protection of the ESA (Environmental Species Act). With any luck, this will be the first step towards a slow and steady recovery for these whales. After all, such a magnificent and unique species of whale deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.

Works Cited

“Beluga Whale” March 9 2011

“Beluga Whale” March 9 2011

“Beluga Whale” March 9 2011