Narwhal tusks have long been a subject of fascination, but scientists have struggled to understand how these spirally protrusions are used. A recent study published in Frontiers in Marine Science has shed new light on the matter, capturing rare footage of narwhals using their tusks in the wild.
Researchers from the US and Canada used drones to observe narwhal behavior, revealing 17 distinct behaviors, including foraging, exploration, and play. The whales were found to use their tusks to interact with nearby fish, often non-forcefully influencing their behavior through gentle taps or pushes. However, when hunting, the narwhals employed a more aggressive tactic, using their tusks to strike fish with rapid side-to-side slashes.
The researchers also observed remarkable dexterity and speed as narwhals tracked fish with their tusk tips, making “near-instantaneous” turns up to 360 degrees in under three seconds. This agility allowed the whales to efficiently forage and defend against food thieves like seagulls.
Interestingly, the study found that social interactions among narwhals played a significant role in shaping their behavior. Competitive and communicative interactions were observed, which may help the whales adapt to climate change by accelerating their responses to shifting Arctic conditions.
This groundbreaking research provides new insights into the complex lives of narwhal tusks and highlights the importance of continued exploration and study of these enigmatic creatures.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/behold-rare-footage-narwhals-actually-181959130.html