Title: Narwhal | WWF Arctic
Headings: Narwhal
Narwhal
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Video reveals clue to the mystery of the narwhal tusk
Narwhal facts
Tracking narwhals from space
What is a narwhal's tusk for?
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Content: Narwhal | WWF Arctic
© Paul Nicklen / National Geographic Stock / WWF-Canada
Narwhal
The narwhal is famous for the long ivory tusk which spirals counter-clockwise several feet forward from its upper lip. The tusk is actually the whale's upper left canine tooth. Male narwhals commonly have a single tusk, but they sometimes have two tusks, or none at all. Around 15% of females have a tusk. FEATURED
Video reveals clue to the mystery of the narwhal tusk
Footage captured by aerial drones as part of a narwhal research camp in Tremblay Sound, Nunavut, is giving biologists new insights into the behaviour of one of the world’s most mysterious whales. Read more
Narwhal facts
scientific name
Monodon monoceros
adult weight
males up to 1900 kg; females up to 1550 kg
adult length
males up to 5.4 m; females up to 4.9 m, plus tusk up to 3 m
population
> 120,000 mature individuals
status
Least Concern (IUCN)
© IUCN
Tracking narwhals from space
Satellite tags allow us to follow the movements of narwhal as they go about their annual feeding and reproductive routines, in order to better understand these unique creatures. Read more
What is a narwhal's tusk for? For centuries now, people have puzzled over the narwhal's unicorn-like tusk, and just what purpose it serves.