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Delphinapterus

Delphinapterus is a genus of small toothed whales in the family Monodontidae. It is a monotypic genus, containing only the living species Delphinapterus leucas, commonly known as the beluga whale or white whale.

Belugas are medium-sized odontocetes characterized by an all-white coloration in adults, a rounded forehead called the

Belugas inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, including coastal areas, estuaries, and river mouths. They migrate seasonally

They are highly social and commonly congregate in pods ranging from a few individuals to hundreds. They

Females reach maturity around 7–9 years; gestation lasts about 14–15 months, with calves born from spring to

IUCN lists Delphinapterus leucas as Near Threatened, with regional populations facing greater risks from climate change,

melon,
and
the
absence
of
a
dorsal
fin.
They
have
a
flexible
neck
due
to
unfused
cervical
vertebrae
and
a
thick
layer
of
blubber.
Their
vocal
abilities
are
notable;
they
produce
a
wide
repertoire
of
whistles,
clicks,
and
other
sounds.
with
the
sea
ice,
moving
between
feeding
and
breeding
grounds
in
the
North
Atlantic
and
North
Pacific,
and
around
the
Arctic
Ocean.
They
can
be
found
in
regions
such
as
Baffin
Bay,
Hudson
Bay,
the
Kara
Sea,
and
the
Barents
Sea;
some
populations
enter
rivers
during
the
summer.
feed
on
fish
(such
as
cod
and
herring),
crustaceans,
and
occasionally
squid,
using
echolocation
to
locate
prey.
Calves
are
cared
for
by
mothers
and
other
pod
members.
early
summer.
Calves
nurse
for
up
to
1.5–2
years.
Belugas
may
live
several
decades,
with
some
individuals
reaching
30–50
years.
habitat
disruption,
hunting,
bycatch,
and
environmental
pollution.
Protected
status
and
management
vary
by
country
and
region.