Physical description of the animal (with at least 3 pictures)

• The beluga's body is thick, muscular, and tapered at both ends

• Small head

• narrow caudal peduncle (tail stock)

• head is rounded, and it has a short beak 

• a prominent, protruding forehead called the "melon"

Point key characteristics of species

• Uses Echolocation to find food

• Slow swimmers

• One of the most vocal types of whales

• teeth

Size

Adults grow to be around 11-15 feet long

Weight

1000-3300lbs

Life Span

35-50 years

Differences between Males and Females

The females tend to be smaller than the males 

Live in packs or solo?

 Belugas generally live together in small groups known as pods

Roles within community?

Don't have distinct roles

Male or Female led groups?

Male driven

Individuals that make up the group?

There isn't really a distinct answer as each pod is different but generally it does seem to be the male

How do they interact with each other?

 A pod of belugas hunts and migrates together. Belugas may chase each other, either playfully or aggressively, and rub against each other.

How often do they mate?

Once every 2 to 3 years

How many mates do they have?

beluga whales are not monogamous and do not pair bond for life

Time of year for mating?

usually between April and May, but could occur as early as February and as late as June

Mating rituals?

 The males chase down the females, making all sorts of noises. The male throws down his tail and bends violently, then he throws his head up and down as his melon vibrates to ward off any other males who might attempt to mate with this female.

Number of offspring produces at a time

one

Stages of development?

Mating occurs primarily between February and May and the young, known as calves, are born between March and September after a 12-14 month gestation. Calves, which are gray in colour, weigh about 80 kg at birth and remain with their mother for at least two years. It takes 4-7 years for a Beluga to reach maturity and they can live more than 50 years

How old before sexual maturity?

Female beluga whales reach sexual maturity around five to seven years of age, while males take a little longer and reach their maturity around eight to nine years of age.

Activities and environment of stages?

After reaching maturity they can reproduce

Difference between males and females?

The females tend to be smaller than the males 

Predation

Polar Bears and Killer Whales

Sexual Competition

The males vibrate there melons to ward off any other males

Disease

 viral, bacterial, and fungal infections; skin diseases; tumors; heart disease; urogenital disorders; and respiratory disorders. 

Other causes

Climate change, pollution, and HUMANS.

Inter-species – within the species

Food, mates, sometimes a playful competition or fight takes place as well.

Intra-species – with other species

Competition with other species for food is rising as more animals are able to move north due to climate change warming the planet

What do they compete over

FOOD

What impacts have occurred

Whaling, Climate change, pollution, fisheries, oil spills, entertainment such as seaworld.

Potential Future impacts

disease, population decrease, if things become to bad evenextintion could happen

How long have humans been interacting with species

Whaling as an industry began around the 11th Century

Efforts being made to minimize impacts

NOAA Fisheries is committed to conserving beluga whales. Their scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study and protect beluga whales, they protect and rebuild depleted and endangered populations.