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= Narwhals =

Introduction
The narwhal is the unicorn of the sea, a pale-coloured porpoise found in Arctic coastal waters and rivers. These legendary animals have two teeth. The ivory tusk tooth grows right through the narwhal's upper lip. Scientists are not certain of the tusk's purpose, but some believe it is prominent in mating rituals, perhaps used to impress females or to battle rival suitors. Females sometimes grow a small tusk of their own, but it does not become as prominent as the male's.

Diet
Narwhals eat squid, fish and shrimp.

Population
Narwhal population estimates indicate around 45,000-50,000 individuals.

Range
Narwhals are mostly commonly found in Atlantic and Russian waters of the Arctic. They have been known to travel around Greenland to eastern Russia.

Behaviour
Narwhals generally move slowly, but are known to be remarkably quick when chased by predators. They prefer to stay near the surface of the ocean, but can dive up to 5,000 feet. Narwhals are migratory and move closer to the shore in the summer, while moving out to sea and living under packed ice in the winter months.

Most narwhals travel in pods of 10-100 individuals and sometimes in much larger groups. They communicate with various sounds like squeals, trills and clicks. The males often cross tusks in a behaviour known as ‘tusking’. This may be a form of duelling, friendly contact or cleaning the tooth.

Reproduction
Mating Season: March to May. Gestation: Up to 16 months. Litter Size: 1 calf. Females give birth every 3 years or so and can nurse their calves for over a year. Calves tend to be brown with no spots.

Threats
Narwhals are mostly hunted by polar bears and orcas. Native Inuit people are also allowed to hunt this whale legally for their long tusks and their skin, an important source of vitamin C in the traditional Arctic diet.

In addition, the narwhal’s habitat is threatened by the effects of climate change and pollution. Their small population size, limited range, and reliance on Arctic fish that are also being affected by climate-induced available food changes, make them extremely vulnerable. One recent study concluded that the narwhal might be even more sensitive to the impacts of climate change than the polar bear.

Relations
Narwhals are related to bottle-nose dolphins, belugas, harbour porpoises, and orcas. Like some other porpoises, they travel in groups and feed on fish, shrimp, squid, and other aquatic fare. They are often sighted swimming in groups of 15 to 20, but gatherings of hundreds—or even several thousand—narwhals have been reported. Sometimes these groups become trapped by shifting pack ice and fall victim to Inuit hunters, polar bears, or walruses.