Baffin Narwhal Population StableWednesday, June 11. 2008 Often referred to as the unicorns of the sea, Narwhals are one of themost elusive of all Arctic species. The whales are characterized by a single spiraled tusk extending six to nine feet, emerging from the upper jaw and through the lips of adult males. Some females may exhibit a tusk and, in rare instances, a male with two tusks has been observed. The narwhal tooth has found its way into the books of scientific rarities and mythical tales and for centuries has inspired legend and lore. So prized was the fabled tooth of the unicorn that Queen Elizabeth in the 16th century paid 10,000 pounds for one, equivalent to the cost of an entire castle. The tooth is revered by many cultures around the world. In Japan, two crossed narwhal teeth adorn the entrance to the Korninkaku Palace. In Denmark multiple teeth comprise the frame. The royal scepter in England is made from the rare tusk. Recent research indicates that the Baffin Bay narwhal population is well over 50,000 individuals, with a mean estimated population of 66,000. The Baffin Bay population ranged from Qiqiktarjuaq to at Prince Regent Inlet and the Gulf of Boothia. This does not cover the entire range of the species in the High Arctic and it is reasonable to think that the mean estimate could in fact exceed 80,000. Research in these higher latitude regions is ongoing. This is positive news on the state of that population. Nevertheless, a recent paper senior authored by Kristin Laidre suggests that the narwhal is one of the arctic species most vulnerable to the long term effects of global warming because of its reliance on a sea ice habitat in winter. Despite their large population, narwhals are not always seen because they tend to either move well up the bays and fiords of Baffin Island or to seek the remaining pack ice in passages of the Arctic archipelago. Also, narwhals are shy creatures that tend to avoid small boats and large vessels alike. Nevertheless, they have been seen by Adventure Canada passengers and staff on past expeditions. We will be travelling in known narwhal habitat on our High Arctic and Baffin Expeditions this year. Ask our marine biologists about them and keep a watchful eye for them from the observation decks. For more information on the Baffin Expedition please click here For more information on the High Arctic Adventure please click here Comments
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