Taking a Look at the Beluga Whale

There are about 16,118 endangered species worldwide that are listed in the IUCN Red List ("About Species"). These animals are most likely listed in this red list because of human cause. The things that humans do that seem so harmless could actually be harmful to many animals that live in the sea and everywhere else. Out of the 16,118 endangered species that are listed, there are a couple thousand beluga whales that are also in danger of becoming extinct soon if we don't do anything about it. The beluga whale is considered to be a near threatened species due to pollution, over hunting, habitat loss, and climate change: however the government and private organizations are striving to save their population.

Beluga whales or Delphinapterus Leucas, as they are scientifically called are very social, small white whales with a bulbous melon on their head, which distinguishes them from other whales. Their scientific name Delphinapterus, means dolphin-without-a-wing, and most likely refers to the lack of dorsal fin that these whales do not have and that most whales do. Due to the fact that belugas have a soft and flexible blubber around their heads, they have the ability to turn their heads almost 90 degrees to either side and can change their facial expressions relatively easy unlike other whales. These belugas are often called canary's of the sea because they make a series of noises such as chirps, clicks, whistles and squeals, that help them communicate amongst each other and help them find their meal through echolocation. The average adult male beluga weighs between 700 and 1600 kilograms, and can measure up to 2.6 to 6.7 meters.

These small white whales can be found globally, mainly in arctic waters, and some are foun...

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...cating mainly children because some day they are going to be the future of this planet and should learn how to take care of our planet and learn that their actions can make a change ("Save the Whales").

Though there are many causes that are putting the beluga whale in danger everyday such as pollution, over hunting, and habitat loss and climate change, There are still many government agencies and private organizations that are working to save the beluga whale population. These governmental organizations and acts include the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the International Whaling Commission. Private Organizations include the Defenders of Wildlife and the Save the Whale organization and so much more. These organizations are very effective because they help save the Beluga Whale population and without them many animal species would probably already be extinct.