Fauna
Mammal

Beluga

Delphinapterus leucas

Also known as White Whale, Sea Canary, Melonhead

Beluga whales navigate icy northern seas with remarkable agility, using a flexible unfused neck to swivel their heads and turn sharply in shallow coastal bays. Famous for their white coloration and bulbous, malleable forehead melon, they generate a complex array of squeaks, whistles, and clicks that echo through dark Arctic waters. Summer congregations bring thousands of individuals into warm river estuaries to molt their thick yellowing skin and raise young calves.

Marine MammalArcticVocal
Beluga reference1 / 7
(c) Hafiz Issadeen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCod, Salmon, Crab
Predators
  • Orca
  • Polar Bear
ThreatsClimate change, loss of sea ice, ocean noise, pollution
HabitatsArctic and sub-Arctic coastal waters, estuaries, ice leads
Life span35–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderCetacea
  2. FamilyMonodontidae
  3. GenusDelphinapterus
  4. SpeciesDelphinapterus leucas
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Safe to observe at a respectful distance from boats or shore.
What to notice
Recognized by their striking pure white skin, absence of a dorsal fin, and expressive bulbous melon.
Support conservation
Never approach or chase pods in motorized watercraft; reduce boat speed in known calving estuaries.
Responsible observation
  • Observe from Distance: Keep motorized boats at least 100 meters away to prevent acoustic disturbance.
  • Ears Open: Listen near estuaries during summer for their high-pitched calls echoing above water.
Related species
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