Beluga whale

Beluga[1]
Size comparison against an average human
Conservation status

Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Monodontidae
Genus: Delphinapterus
Species: D. leucas
Binomial name
Delphinapterus leucas
(Pallas, 1776)
Beluga range

The beluga or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is an Arctic and sub-Arctic species of cetacean. It is one of two members of the family Monodontidae, along with the narwhal. This marine mammal is commonly referred to simply as the beluga or sea canary due to its high-pitched twitter.[3] It is up to 5 meters (16 ft) in length and an unmistakable all-white color with a distinctive protuberance on the head. From a conservation perspective, the beluga is considered "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature; however the subpopulation from the Cook Inlet in Alaska is considered critically endangered and is under the protection of the United States' Endangered Species Act.[2][4]

Contents

Taxonomy

In 1776 Peter Simon Pallas first described the beluga.[1] It is a member of the Monodontidae family, which is in turn part of the toothed whale suborder.[1] The Irrawaddy dolphin was once placed in the same family; however, recent genetic evidence suggests otherwise.[5] The narwhal is only other species within the Monodontidae family besides the beluga.[6]

The Red List of Threatened Species gives both beluga and white whale as common names, though the former is now more popular. The English name comes from the Russian белуга (beluga) or белуха (belukha), which derives from the word белый (belyy), meaning "white". It is sometimes referred to by scientists as the belukha whale in order to avoid confusion with the beluga sturgeon.

The whale is also colloquially known as the Sea Canary on account of its high-pitched squeaks, squeals, clucks and whistles. A Japanese researcher says he taught a beluga to "talk" by using these sounds to identify three different objects, offering hope that humans may one day be able to communicate effectively with sea mammals.[7]

Description

Photo of beluga at water surface with back flexed, with both head and tail raised
A beluga in the shallow waters of the Vancouver Aquarium

Male belugas are larger than females. Males can reach 5.5 metres (18 ft) long, while females grow to 4.1 metres (13 ft).[8] Males weigh between 1,100 and 1,600 kilograms (2,400 and 3,500 lb) while females weigh between 700 and 1,200 kilograms (1,500 and 2,600 lb).[9] This is larger than most dolphins, but is smaller than most other toothed whales.

The adult beluga is rarely mistaken for another species, because it is completely white or whitish-gray in color. Calves, however, are usually gray.[8] Its head is unlike that of any other cetacean. Like most toothed whales it has a melon—an oily, fatty tissue lump found at the center of the forehead. The beluga's melon is extremely bulbous and even malleable.[6] The beluga is able to change the shape of its head by blowing air around its sinuses. Unlike many dolphins and whales, the vertebrae in the neck are not fused together, allowing the animal to turn its head laterally. The rostrum has about 8 to 10 teeth on each side of the jaw and a total of 34 to 40 teeth.

Belugas have a dorsal ridge, rather than a dorsal fin.[8] The absence of the dorsal fin is reflected in the genus name of the species—apterus the Greek word for "wingless." The evolutionary preference for a dorsal ridge rather than a fin is believed to be an adaptation to under-ice conditions, or possibly as a way of preserving heat.[6] As in other cetaceans, the thyroid gland is relatively large compared to terrestrial mammals (proportionally three times as large as a horse's thyroid) and may help to sustain higher metabolism during the summer estuarine occupations.

Its body is round, particularly when well-fed, and tapers less smoothly to the head than the tail. The sudden tapering to the base of its neck gives it the appearance of shoulders, unique among cetaceans. The tail fin grows and becomes increasingly and ornately curved as the animal ages. The flippers are broad and short—making them almost square-shaped.

Range and habitat

Photo of whale at surface with bump behind head
Beluga at the mouth of Churchill River into Hudson Bay, Canada

The beluga inhabits a discontinuous circumpolar distribution in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters ranging from 50° N to 80° N, particularly along the coasts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. The southernmost extent of their range includes isolated populations in the St. Lawrence River estuary and the Saguenay fjord, around the village of Tadoussac, Quebec, in the Atlantic and the Amur River delta, the Shantar Islands and the waters surrounding Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk.[10]

In the spring, the beluga moves to its summer grounds: bays, estuaries and other shallow inlets. These summer sites are discontinuous. A mother usually returns to the same site year after year. As its summer homes clog with ice during autumn, the beluga moves away for winter. Most travel in the direction of the advancing icepack and stay close its edge for the winter months. Others stay under the icepack—surviving by finding ice leads and polynyas (patches of open water in the ice) in which they can surface to breathe. Beluga may also find air pockets trapped under the ice. The beluga's ability to find the thin slivers of open water within a dense ice pack that may cover more than 96% of the surface mystifies scientists. Its echo-location capabilities are highly adapted to the sub-ice sea's peculiar acoustics and it has been suggested that belugas can sense open water through echo-location.

In 1849, while constructing the first railroad between Rutland and Burlington in Vermont, workers unearthed the bones of a mysterious animal in the town of Charlotte. Buried nearly 10 feet (3.0 m) below the surface in a thick blue clay, these bones were unlike those of any animal previously discovered in Vermont. Experts identified the bones as those of a beluga. Because Charlotte is over 150 miles (241 km) from the nearest ocean, early naturalists were at a loss to explain the bones of a marine mammal buried beneath the fields of rural Vermont. Today, the Charlotte whale aids in the study of the geology and the history of the Champlain Basin,[11] and this fossil is now the official Vermont State Fossil (making Vermont the only state whose official fossil is that of a still extant animal).

On June 9, 2006, a young beluga carcass was found in the Tanana River near Fairbanks in central Alaska, nearly 1,700 kilometers (1,056 mi) from the nearest ocean habitat. Belugas sometimes follow migrating fish, leading Alaska state biologist Tom Seaton to speculate that it had followed migrating salmon up the river at some point in the prior fall.

Life history

Overhead photo of five belugas swimming at surface with four splash areas behind them
Pod of belugas swimming

Belugas are highly sociable. Groups of males may number in the hundreds, while mothers with calves generally mix in slightly smaller groups. When pods aggregate in estuaries, they may number in the thousands. This can represent a significant proportion of the entire population and is when they are most vulnerable to hunting.

Pods tend to be unstable, meaning that they tend to move from pod to pod. Radio tracking has shown that belugas can start out in a pod and within a few days be hundreds of miles away from that pod. Mothers and calves form the beluga's closest social relationship. Nursing times of two years have been observed and lactational anestrus may not occur. Calves often return to the same estuary as their mother in the summer, meeting her sometimes even after becoming fully mature.

Belugas can be playful—they may spit at humans or other whales. It is not unusual for an aquarium handler to be drenched by one of his charges. Some researchers believe that spitting originated with blowing sand away from crustaceans at the sea bottom.

Unlike most whales, it is capable of swimming backwards.[12]

Males reach sexual maturity between four and seven years, while females mature at between six and nine years. The beluga can live more than 50 years.[8]

Reproduction

Underwater photo of calf swimming slightly below and behind mother
Female and calf

Female belugas typically give birth to one calf every three years.[8] Most mating occurs between February and May, but some mating occurs at other times of year.[6][8] It is questionable whether the beluga has delayed implantation.[6] Gestation last 12 to 14.5 months.[8]

Calves are born over a protracted period that varies by location. In the Canadian Arctic, calves are born between March and September, while in Hudson Bay the peak calving period is in late June and in Cumberland Sound most calves are born from late July to early August.[13]

Newborns are about 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) long, weigh about 80 kilograms (180 lb), and are grey in color. The calves remain dependent on their mothers for at least two years.

Ecology

Feeding

The beluga is a slow swimmer that feeds mainly on fish. It also eats cephalopods (squid and octopus) and crustaceans (crab and shrimp). Foraging on the seabed typically takes place at depths of up to 1,000 feet (300 m) but they can dive at least twice this depth. A typical feeding dive lasts 3–5 minutes, but belugas submerge for up to 20 minutes at a time.[14]

Predation

Polar bears take particular advantage of situations when belugas become trapped by ice and are thus unable to reach the ocean. The bears swipe at the belugas and drag them onto the ice. The orca is its other significant natural predator.[9]

Relation to humans

Belugas were among the first whale species in captivity. The first beluga was shown at Barnum's Museum in New York City in 1861. Today it remains one of the few whale species kept at aquaria and sea life parks across North America, Europe, and Asia. Its popularity there with visitors reflects its attractive color, and its range of facial expressions. While most cetacean "smiles" are fixed, the extra movement afforded by the beluga's unfused cervical vertebrae allows a greater range of apparent expression. Most belugas found in aquariums are caught in the wild, though captive breeding programs enjoy some success.

Both the United States Navy and the Russian Navy have used belugas in anti-mining operations in Arctic waters.[15] In one instance, a captive beluga helped bring a distressed diver who was performing a stunt in his pool up to the surface, possibly saving the diver's life.[16] Another time, a captive beluga brought a cramp-paralized diver from the bottom of the pool up to the surface by holding her foot in it's mouth, certainly saving the female diver's life.[17]

Population and threats

Photo of white whale with head placed on poolside with human arm reaching to front of whale's mouth
A beluga whale in an aquarium with a trainer

The global population of belugas today stands at about 100,000. Although this number is much greater than that of many other cetaceans, it is much smaller than pre-hunting populations. There are estimated to be 40,000 individuals in the Beaufort Sea, 25,045 in Hudson Bay, 18,500 in the Bering Sea, and 28,008 in the Canadian Low Arctic. The population in the St. Lawrence estuary is estimated to be around 1,000.[18] It is considered an excellent sentinel species (indicator of environment health and changes). This is because it is long-lived, on top of the food web, bearing large amounts of fat and blubber, relatively well-studied for a cetacean, and still somewhat common.

Because the beluga congregates in river estuaries, pollution is proving to be a significant health danger. Incidents of cancer have been reported to be rising as a result of St. Lawrence River pollution. Local beluga carcasses contain so many contaminants that they are treated as toxic waste. Reproductive pathology has been discovered here, possibly caused by organochlorines. Levels between 240 ppm and 800 ppm of PCBs have been found, with males typically having higher levels.[19] The long-term effects of this pollution on the affected populations is not known.

Underwater photo of whale with top of head above surface
A beluga resurfaces

Indirect human disturbance may also be a threat. While some populations tolerate small boats, others actively try to avoid ships. Whale-watching has become a booming activity in the St. Lawrence and Churchill River areas.

Because of its predictable migration pattern and high concentrations, the beluga has been hunted by indigenous Arctic peoples for centuries. In many areas, hunting continues, and is believed to be sustainable. However, in other areas, such as the Cook Inlet, Ungava Bay, and off western Greenland, previous commercial operations left the populations in great peril. Indigenous whaling continues in these areas, and some populations continue to decline. These areas are the subject of intensive dialogue between Inuit communities and national governments aiming to create a sustainable hunt.

Pathogens

Papillomaviruses have been found in the gastric compartments of belugas in the St. Lawerence River. Herpesvirus as well has been detected on occasion in belugas. Encephalitis has sometimes been observed and the protozoa Sarcocystis can infect the animals. Ciliates have been observed to colonize the blowhole yet may not be pathogenic or especially harmful.[20]

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae bacilli, likely from contaminated fish in the diet, can endanger captive belugas, causing anorexia, dermal plaques, and lesions. This may lead to death if not diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics.[21]

Conservation status

Photo of stamp showing two adult and one juvenile, swimming
Pictured on Faroe Islands stamp

As of 2008, the beluga is listed as "near threatened" by the IUCN. This is due to uncertainty about the number of belugas over parts of its range (especially the Russian Arctic) and the expectation that if current conservation efforts cease, especially hunting management, the beluga population is likely to qualify for "threatened" status within five years. Prior to 2008, the beluga was listed as "vulnerable", a higher level of concern. IUCN cited the stability of the largest subpopulations and improved census methods that indicate a larger population than previously estimated.[2]

To prevent hunting, belugas are protected under the International Moratorium on Commercial Whaling; however, small amounts of beluga whaling are still allowed. Since it is very difficult to know the exact population of belugas because their habitats include inland waters away from the ocean, it is easy for them to come in contact with oil and gas development centers. To prevent whales from coming in contact with industrial waste, the Alaskan and Canadian governments are relocating sites where whales and waste come in contact.

To prevent captive whales from dying, researchers from the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre are finding ways to prevent fungi from entering the habitats and to constantly check their health. Healthy captive belugas are important because they are one of the only whales found in many marine aquariums. The high numbers of captives adds to the threat to the beluga population, while their carcasses contribute to scientific research.

Subpopulations are subject to differing levels of threat and warrant individual assessment. The Cook Inlet subpopulation is listed as "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN as of 2006.[22] The Cook Inlet beluga population is listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act as of October 2008.[4][23][24] This was due to overharvesting of belugas prior to 1998. The population has failed to recover even though the reported harvest has been small. The most recent published estimate as of May 2008 was 302 (CV=0.16) in 2006.[25] In addition, the National Marine Fisheries Service indicated that the 2007 aerial survey's point estimate was 375.

Evolution

Skeleton of D. leucas

The beluga's earliest known ancestor is the prehistoric Denebola brachycephala from the late Miocene period. A single fossil from the Baja California peninsula, indicates that the family once inhabited warmer waters. The fossil record also indicates that in comparatively recent times the beluga's range varied with that of the polar ice packs—expanding during ice ages and contracting when the ice retreats.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Mead, James G.; Brownell, Robert L., Jr. (16 November 2005). "Order Cetacea (pp. 723-743)". In Wilson, Don E., and Reeder, DeeAnn M., eds. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2 vols. (2142 pp.). ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3/browse.asp?id=14300105. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Jefferson, T.A., Karczmarski, L., Laidre, K., O’Corry-Crowe, G., Reeves, R.R., Rojas-Bracho, L., Secchi, E.R., Slooten, E., Smith, B.D., Wang, J.Y. & Zhou, K. (2008). Delphinapterus leucas. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 2008-10-07.
  3. ↑ Harris, Patricia; Lyon, David; (April 8, 2007) Boston Globe Enter close quarters: colonial to nuclear subs. Section: Travel; Page 8M.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Rosen, Yereth (October 17, 2008). "Beluga whales in Alaska listed as endangered". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE49G6JD20081017. Retrieved 2008-10-17. 
  5. ↑ Arnold, P. (2002). "Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris". In Perrin, W., Würsig B. and Thewissen, J.. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press. p. 652. ISBN 0-12-551340-2. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 O'Corry-Crowe, G. (2002). "Beluga Whale Delphinapterus leucas". In Perrin, W., Würsig B. and Thewissen, J.. Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press. p. 94–99. ISBN 0-12-551340-2. 
  7. ↑ "Japanese whale whisperer teaches beluga to talk". www.meeja.com.au. 2008-09-16. http://www.meeja.com.au/index.php?display_article_id=221. Retrieved 2008-09-16. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Shirihai, H. & Jarrett, B. (2006). Whales, Dolphins and Other Marine Mammals of the World. Princeton: Princeton Univ. Press. p. 97–100. ISBN 0-69112757-3. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Reeves, R., Stewart, B., Clapham, P. & Powell, J. (2003). Guide to Marine Mammals of the World. New York: A.A. Knopf. p. 318–321. ISBN 0-375-41141-0. 
  10. ↑ Artyukhin Yu.B. and V.N. Burkanov (1999). Sea birds and mammals of the Russian Far East: a Field Guide, Мoscow: АSТ Publishing – 215 p. (Russian)
  11. ↑ http://www.uvm.edu/whale/
  12. ↑ "Georgia Aquarium – Beluga Whale". http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/exploreTheAquarium/webcam-beluga.aspx. Retrieved 2008-10-12. 
  13. ↑ Cosens, S. & Dueck, L. (June 1990). "Spring Sightings of Narwhal and Beluga Calves in Lancaster Sound, N.W.T". Arctic 31 (2): 1–2. http://pubs.aina.ucalgary.ca/arctic/Arctic43-2-127.pdf. 
  14. ↑ "Delphinapterus leucas: Beluga Whale". Marine Bio. http://www.marinebio.org/species.asp?id=159. Retrieved 2008-08-26. 
  15. ↑ "The Story of Navy Dolphins". PBS. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/whales/etc/navycron.html. Retrieved 2008-10-12. 
  16. ↑ "Wal Rettet Ertrinkende Taucherin!". http://www.blick.ch/news/ausland/wal-rettet-ertrinkende-taucherin-124805. Retrieved 2009-09-27. 
  17. ↑ Christine Lepisto (02 August 2009). "Beluga Whale Saves Diver". http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/08/amazing-beluga-whale-rescues-diver.php. Retrieved 2010-08-31. 
  18. ↑ Portrait of endangered beluga whales in Quebec
  19. ↑ J Great Lakes Res.,19 & Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.,16 & Sci. Total Environ.,154
  20. ↑ Dierauf, L. & Gulland, F. (2001). CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine. CRC Press. p. 26, 303, 359. ISBN 0849308399. 
  21. ↑ Dierauf, L. & Gulland, F. (2001). CRC Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine. CRC Press. p. 316–317. ISBN 0849308399. 
  22. ↑ "The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/6335/0/full. Retrieved 2008-10-17. 
  23. ↑ "Endangered and Threatened Species; Endangered Status for the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2008-10-22. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr73-62919.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-26. 
  24. ↑ Herbert, H. Josef (October 17, 2008). "Government declares beluga whale endangered". Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gJx0IzvRt6GWrUBb90Foe4URCGagD93SD0DO0. Retrieved 2008-10-17. 
  25. ↑ Angliss and Outlaw 2007.

Further reading

  • Outridge, P. M., K. A. Hobson, R. McNeely, and A. Dyke. 2002. "A Comparison of Modern and Preindustrial Levels of Mercury in the Teeth of Beluga in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, and Walrus at Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada". Arctic. 55: 123–132.

External links