Virgule

Beluga

ligne décoration

Adopted by l'AMEUS de l'Université de Sherbrooke

  • ID number

    DL0087

  • Sex

    Male

  • Year of birth

    Before 1970

  • Known Since

    1986

Distinctive traits

Virgule can be recognized at first glance by his large scar stretching from the dorsal crest down both flanks. On the right flank, in front of the crest, is another circular scar.

Life history

When we first met Virgule in 1986, he was immaculately white. He would therefore have been born before 1970.

Virgule’s sex was confirmed by biopsy : he is male. He would be part of one of the two networks of males that frequent the Saguenay Fjord and its mouth.

Even without genetic analysis, when we have several data on an individual, it is possible to presume its sex. Adult belugas are highly sex-segregated in summer. Males and females show clearly marked preferences, both in their associations and in the areas they frequent.

Observations history in the Estuary

1986
1987
1988
1989
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed

Latest news

We found ourselves off Les Escoumins, where we spotted a herd of around 20 individuals, both adults and juveniles. Despite considerable waves in the area, we recognize Virgule. He’s swimming with 3 adult male belugas. Conditions are getting very difficult, and we have to leave the herd.

Virgule was last seen over a decade ago. Is he dead? Has he remained invisible to the eye of the researcher all this time? One thing’s for sure, his story remains a valuable source of information that helps us to better understand this fragile population.

Sponsor

L’AMEUS, Université de Sherbrooke adopted Virgule (1990).