Endangered Species Study

Beluga WhaleStudyAnthony Schmitz

Quiz1

What does it look like?

4Its skin is white from the lack of melanin (pigment) in the skin.1It has no dorsal fin,Hence its scientific name, Delphinapterus leucas, meaningdolphin with no fin. 1

Beluga are special among all whales because they can turn their heads.1Beluga whales have small, but distinct beaks.5They are small, only about 3-5m! 6What does it look like?Quiz4

More about the SpeciesBeluga whales are white, therefore making them the most distinguishable type of whale. They range from 13-20 feet long. 1.They live in small groups called pods. They communicate using clicks, whistles, and clangs. Their diet consists of fish, crustaceans, and worms. They are related to the Narwhals. 1

Quiz3

Where does it live?These whales are common in the Arctic Ocean's coastal waters, though they are found in subarctic waters as well. 1Arctic belugas migrate southward in large herds when the sea freezes over. 1

Belugas swim among icebergs and ice floes in the icy waters of the arctic and subarctic, where water temperatures may be as low as 0 C (32 F).5

Belugas seem to be well adapted to both a cold ocean habitat and a warmer freshwater habitat.5

Note: The areas marked in orange depict the range of the whales.4Quiz2

Why is it endangered?The Beluga whale is endangered mostly because of oil spills.3. They are hunted by predators in the wild, but thats only a small percentage why theyre endangered.Pollution also contributes to the deaths of Beluga whales. 3Unregulated hunting also effects a large population of the whales.4

Quiz5Online Resources1. National Geographic on Beluga Whales2. Enchanted Learning: Beluga Whales 3. Defenders of wildlife: Beluga Whales 4. Happy Hippie: Beluga Whales 5. Sea World: Beluga Whales 6. University of Vermont: Beluga Whales

Quiz7

What can humans do to help?Recycling. It wont get dumped into the ocean if you reuse. 5Not dumping into storm drains. 5Try to avoid the animals habitat while boating (If you like boating in the Arctic).2Not spilling oil. 1

Humans can help by:

Quiz6