Beluga Whale, Arctic Circle

Beluga whales have to be one of the most charming marine creatures, with their smooth white skin (though technically it's more like a thick, rubbery layer over a substantial blubber coat), their seemingly eternal smile, bright, expressive eyes, and their unmistakable sense of playfulness. They’re sometimes called the “canaries of the sea” because of the wide range of chirps, whistles, and clicks they use to communicate. And honestly, if you’ve ever watched one closely, it’s as if they’re trying to start a conversation with you. They are very social and intelligent animals, living in pods of 2-10. 

They grow between 13-16ft (4-5m) long and weigh about 3,000lbs (1,360kg). Beneath the smooth white skin is a powerful, compact body wrapped in thick, muscular curves and at least 40% blubber that keeps them warm and stores energy. They are the only whales that can move their heads from side to side and up and down. The white skin doesn’t show up at birth. Calves are born a dark grey or brown and gradually lighten over the years, becoming that classic ghostly white by around five years old. The bulbous shape on their head houses an organ called the melon, which emits sound waves for echolocation, like a built-in sonar that helps them navigate.

Living primarily in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, the belugas are one of only a few whale species that prefer icy environments, especially since their whiteness can blend in with icy floes and snowy surroundings, helping them to shelter from predators such as polar bears and orcas. They are one of the few whale species that can move freely between saltwater and freshwater, sometimes swimming up rivers for food or safety. They particularly enjoy estuaries and shallow bays, where ice shifts and currents bring a buffet of marine life. However, if necessary, belugas can dive for their food up to 3,280ft (1,000m) and hold their breath for 25 minutes. 

Belugas eat a pretty varied diet—fish, crustaceans, and squid—depending on the season and what’s available in their environment. They're opportunistic feeders, diving deep and using echolocation to hunt in the murky depths under the ice. Aside from navigation, the melon on their head also helps locate prey, even in complete darkness or when buried in the seabed, and their flexible neck allows them to zero in on their next meal with absolute precision. 

Despite their adaptability, belugas face growing threats from climate change, thinning sea ice, and increased shipping and industrial activity, which bring noise, pollution, and habitat disruption. Some populations are faring well and are classified as of Least Concern, but others, like the Cook Inlet belugas in Alaska, are critically endangered. Conservation efforts are underway, from protecting key habitats and migration routes to working with Indigenous communities that deeply respect these animals and rely on them as a traditional food source.

As top predators, belugas play an important role in maintaining the health of the Arctic ecosystem by feeding on fish and helping regulate their populations. Their feeding habits also contribute to nutrient distribution, making them a vital part of the Arctic food web. Looking after them is not just about preserving a species; it's about protecting the balance of an entire ecosystem.