narwale

Narwale, commonly known as the narwhal (Monodon monoceros), is a medium-sized Arctic whale famous for a long, spiraled tusk projecting from the upper jaw, mostly in males. It is the sole living member of the genus Monodon, within the family Monodontidae, and is closely related to the beluga.

Adult narwhals measure about 4 to 5.5 meters in length. The tusk, an elongated canine tooth, can reach lengths of up to about 2.5 meters. The body is generally dark gray with countershading that lightens with age; calves are brownish with spots and gradually develop a lighter, mottled pattern.

Narwhals inhabit deep, cold Arctic waters around Greenland, eastern Canadian Arctic, and parts of Norway and Russia. They form social groups called pods that can range from a few individuals to several hundred. Seasonal migrations follow sea-ice dynamics and prey distribution, with movements between inshore fjords and offshore waters.

Diet consists mainly of fish and squid, including Arctic cod and Greenland halibut, supplemented by other cephalopods and crustaceans. They rely on echolocation to locate prey and navigate their icy environment. Narwhals are highly vocal and produce a variety of clicks, whistles, and pulsed sounds for communication and echolocation.

Reproduction takes place on a multi-year cycle. Females give birth after a gestation period of about 14 to 15 months, typically to a single calf. Calves are usually weaned after roughly one to two years and remain with their mothers for extended periods.

Conservation status is generally considered Near Threatened by the IUCN, reflecting threats from climate change reducing sea ice, hunting in some regions, and incidental mortality from ships and fishing gear. Ongoing monitoring and indigenous subsistence management are central to Narwale conservation efforts.