narwhals

Narwhal (Monodon monoceros) is a medium-sized Arctic toothed whale, the only living member of the genus Monodon. It is closely related to the beluga and belongs to the family Monodontidae. Narwhals inhabit Arctic waters of the North Atlantic and adjacent seas, including areas around Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, Svalbard, and parts of Russia, migrating seasonally with sea-ice conditions.

A distinctive feature is the long, spiraled tusk that protrudes from the upper jaw, primarily in males; some females may have smaller tusks. The tusk is an elongated canine and can extend for several meters. Outside of the tusk, narwhals have a stocky body with a bluish-gray coloration that lightens with age. They lack a prominent dorsal fin and have a rounded head with a small dorsal ridge.

Narwhals are social animals, often moving in groups ranging from a few individuals to larger pods. They use echolocation and sound for navigation and for locating prey. Their diet includes fish such as Greenland halibut and cod, as well as squid and other invertebrates. They are strong divers, reaching great depths and staying submerged for extended periods while foraging.

Reproduction occurs with calves born after a long gestation and nurtured by females. Maturity is reached after several years, with males maturing later than females. Narwhals have lifespans measured in decades in the wild.

Conservation status: The IUCN lists narwhals as Near Threatened. Pressures from climate change, which reduces sea-ice habitat, along with hunting by Indigenous communities, vessel traffic, and bycatch, contribute to potential population declines. Ongoing research and monitoring aim to improve understanding and management of populations.