Narwhals - Threats and Status
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Picture source:
Narwhal.Info © 2002
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Narwhals have always been hunted for their tusks. The Inuit are known to hunt the species by shooting and harpooning. It has been estimated that anywhere from 550 to 280 animals are killed yearly. A few hundreds animals may have been killed in the most severe times for the Narwhal Whale. Muktaaq and ivory are the main targets of Narwhal hunters. Male tusks are subjects to extensive trade worldwide.
The Narwhal Whale also suffers from natural predation. Greenland Sharks, Orcas, polar bears, and other animals hunt the Narwhal Whale. It has also been reported that some Narwhals find themselves trapped in ice and die due to exhaustion when trying to breathe through a small hole.
Habitat loss also contributes to Narwhal Whale low numbers. Human activities that lead to the change in currencies and ice formation may influence the habitat of the species. It should be remembered that the Narwhal Whale prefers living in areas packed with ice. Any habitat degradation can lead to the species decline.
Pollution is also believed to be detrimental for the Narwhal Whale. Heavy metals and other chemicals harm the health of the species. Research has shown that many Narwhals have a higher percentage of chemicals that is accepted.
The species has been listed as "Insufficiently Known" in the 1980s. However, current population statistics suggests that the species does need to be treated as vulnerable. Since hunting for their tusks and muktaaq does not cease, and due to a number of other threats, Narwhals should be fully protected.
Narwhals - Conservation Links
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Picture source:
Eresmas.net © 1999
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American Cetacean Society - Whale conservation group run by volunteer members is located in San Pedro, California. View articles, adoption programs, and chapter details.
America Zoo: Narwhal Whales - Name origin, description, and status of the species.
CMS: Monodon monoceros, Narwhal - Description, distribution, population size, biology and behavior, migration, and threats.
International Whaling Convention - Full text of the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling.
Monodon monoceros (Narwhal): Narrative - Range, physical description, feeding, behavior, and reproduction of the Narwhal Whale.
Narwhal ACS Cetacean Fact Sheet - Physical description, feeding, mating and breeding, distribution and migration, natural history, and status of the Narwhal Whale.
Narwhal Guide - Appearance, mortality, population, habitat, feeding, motion, reproduction, social behavior, conservation.
Parks Canada: Narwhals - Brief information about Narwhals in Canada.
Narwhals - Links of Interest
Alaska Science Forum - General information with emphasis on the "tusk".
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Picture source:
eircom.net © 2003
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Arctic Animals and Lands: Narwhal Whales - Native to the Arctic seas, this "unicorn of the sea" is mottled brown, averages four meters in length and weighs nearly two tones.
Cetacea - Animal lover and activist offers a reference guide to Whales, dolphins, and porpoises. View FAQs, photos, and a glossary.
Discover Narwhals - A site with Narwhal information and history.
Discovering Whales - The Narwhal - The Dolphin is the largest and most diverse family of cetaceans. It contains 26 recognized species and 6 toothed Whales.
Edward T. Babinski - Whale Evolution - Photos of Whale skeletons from the Milwaukee Public Museum illustrate the commentary on the museum exhibit and Whale anatomy and evolution, by Hans Thewissen, Ph.D.
Lucy Uppik Narwhal On Igloo - Long Ago And Far Away is a gallery of collector-quality Canadian Inuit Art and Fine Native American Art and Jewelry. Our retail gallery is in Manchester Center, Vermont, and is open every day.
MSN Encarta - Whale - Encyclopedia offers an article about Whales and provides links to related topics and its premium resources on the subject.
Narwhal Ivory - Identification of Ivory and Ivory Substitutes.
Narwhal Whales in Newfoundland and Labrador - The amazing Narwhal Whale (Monodon monoceros) spends its winter home among the pack ice of the eastern Artic. Pictures and information.
Narwhals, Killer Whales and Ice - Article about these species' lifestyle.
New Zealand Government - Minister Condemns Iceland - Iceland's proposed "research" whaling got an icy reception from Conservation Minister Chris Carter. Read the 20 January 2003 press statement.
Science News - Whale Evolution - Reports on the discovery of a fossilized Whale jawbone that pushes the origin of the marine mammals back before 53.5 million years ago.
Smithsonian Magazine - The Tail of a Whale - June 2001 travel article by Steve King describes the author's Whale-watching tour.
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Picture source:
Narwhal.Info © 2002
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Suite101 - Whales -Features articles about Whales and a mailing list. Also offers links to Whale conservation groups.
Whale of a Business - Join the ongoing debate over captive marine mammals, and meet Keiko, star of the "Free Willy" movies.
Whale watching in the Arctic: Narwhals - Description, habitat, and feeding habits of the Narwhal Whale.
WhaleNet - Educational material - compiled by a telecommuting project involving schools worldwide - focuses on Whales and related research.
Whales - Thematic Web Unit - Education resource for K-8 teachers includes book reviews, virtual field trips, lesson plans, and instructions on how to build a Whale.
Whales: Narwhal - Educate yourself about the species.
Narwhals - Other Narwhals sites
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