Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Monodontidae
- Genus
- Delphinapterus
Habitat
Belugas primarily inhabit Arctic and sub-Arctic waters, including coastal areas, fjords, and river estuaries where sea ice is present. They prefer shallow waters less than 300 meters deep for feeding and calving. In summer, they move to warmer, ice-free regions.
Diet
Belugas feed mainly on fish such as capelin, cod, and salmon, as well as squid, shrimp, and other crustaceans. They are opportunistic hunters, using echolocation to locate prey in murky waters, and often feed in groups during dawn and dusk. Their feeding dives can reach depths of up to 800 meters.
Behavior
Belugas are highly social animals, living in pods of 2 to 25 individuals that can merge into larger groups for migration or feeding. They are active during the day and exhibit playful behaviors like spy-hopping and breaching, while being vocal with a wide range of sounds for communication. They migrate seasonally to follow ice patterns and are known for their curiosity toward boats and humans, though they can be territorial in feeding areas.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies belugas as Near Threatened, with population trends varying by region; some subpopulations are declining due to threats like climate change, pollution, and hunting. Major conservation efforts focus on reducing bycatch and protecting critical habitats.