……objective science for conservation…….

The Pacific WildLife Foundation is a non-profit coastal and marine research and education society  that inspires an appreciation for objective scientific research and conservation of the ocean. We conduct original research, develop novel education programs, and inspire an appreciation for conservation of the ocean. 

Belugas are social animals often traveling in groups of a few to many hundred whales. The social organization is not understood but scientists believe that the groups consist of mothers with daughters, granddaughters, young sons and adult males from other pods. This study would make an interesting thesis for a promising graduate student. Belugas are chunky bodied with 10 cm or more of blubber. They lack a dorsal fin and instead have a narrow ridge running down the backbone to easily swim under floating ice. The beluga is the only whale that can bend its neck. Belugas locate prey using echolocation and communicate by producing clicks, chirps and whistles. 

Beluga Whale Facts

Length: 5 - 5.3 meters

Weight: 1300 kg

Food: squid, crabs, clams, shrimp, salmon, arctic cod and other arctic fish

References

Reeves, R. R., B. Stewart, P. Clapham and J. Powell. 2002. Guide to marine mammals of the world. Alfred A. Knopf, New York.

Wilson, D. E. and S. Ruff. 1999. The Smithsonian book of North American mammals. UBC press, Vancouver.