Narwhals, famous for their long, spiral tusks, have been found to use them in unexpected ways. Researchers using drones captured footage of the whales employing their tusks in hunting, stunning fish before eating them. The study also suggests that narwhals engage in play and possibly social learning.
For the first time, scientists have observed narwhals interacting with Arctic char, using their tusks to investigate, manipulate, and even stun fish. The drones recorded 17 distinct behaviors, providing new insights into the complex interactions between narwhals, their prey, and competing bird species.
The research highlights how environmental changes might introduce new interspecies encounters, challenging Arctic species to adapt. Narwhal social behaviors, such as learning from one another, also suggest that social processes could speed up behavioral adaptation in response to Arctic changes.
Drone technology has provided a unique view of narwhal behavior, allowing scientists to gather crucial data on how the whales are responding to shifts in ice patterns, prey availability and other environmental changes. The study’s findings support the use of non-invasive tools like drones for observing wildlife in their natural environment without disturbing them.
The discovery challenges long-standing assumptions about narwhal behavior and highlights the importance of continued research into the complex interactions between Arctic species and their environments.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/caught-on-drone-narwhals-stun-prey-and-play-with-their-tusks