Narwhals, known for their long spiral tusks, are fascinating creatures that often seem like something out of a fairy tale. These tusks, which can grow up to 10 feet, are primarily seen in male narwhals. They travel in pods of two to 10 individuals and are known to be elusive and difficult to study in the wild. While scientists believe that the tusks are mainly used in competition for mates, new drone evidence suggests that narwhals use their tusks for foraging, exploring their surroundings, and even playing.
According to Greg O’Corry-Crowe, a biologist specializing in marine mammals at FAU Harbor Branch and a National Geographic Explorer, narwhals exhibit a behavior known as “tusking,” where they raise their tusks almost vertically out of the water in a ritualistic manner. However, recent observations have revealed that narwhal tusks have other unexpected uses, including foraging, exploration, and play.
An international team of researchers in the Arctic equipped with drones witnessed narwhals using their tusks to investigate, manipulate, and influence the behavior of Arctic char. They observed 17 distinct behaviors in narwhals, shedding light on their interactions with fish and birds in their environment.
One interesting behavior observed was a form of play called exploratory-object play, where narwhals interact with objects to learn more about them. This study also revealed evidence of social learning, social instruction, and personality differences among individual narwhals.
The team also observed narwhals engaging in a “food thief” situation with fish and glaucous gulls, highlighting the complex dynamics between these Arctic mammals and their environment. Additionally, the researchers noted the first evidence of likely play in narwhals, demonstrating their adaptability and social interactions.
To understand how narwhals are adapting to the changing Arctic, field studies using innovative tools like drones are essential. These studies provide crucial insights into how narwhals are responding to environmental changes and the impact of global warming on these elusive animals.
