DL0014
Beluga
Adopted by Marell Foundation
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ID number
DL0014
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Sex
Male
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Year of birth
Before 1977
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Known Since
1989
Distinctive traits
DL0014’s dorsal crest distinguishes it from the others, with the long, deep plateau in the posterior part and this notch in the anterior part of its crest. An additional small notch appears in 2002.
Life history
DL0014 was first observed in 1989. His “dress” was already immaculate white. He was therefore born before 1977.
His large size, habits and social affiliations clearly indicate that DL0014 is a male. On September 17, 1995, a biopsy confirmed this. DL0014 is a regular sighting in the Saguenay Fjord. He is part of one of the Saguenay’s two male networks.
Belugas are gregarious animals, living in pairs and groups of 3 to several dozen individuals or clans. In summer, males live separately from females. Over the years, males tend to form stable bands of companions. These associations gradually become established and may play a role in the belugas’ reproductive life. DL0014 is often seen in the company of Frimas, Stanley and Camério. The story of DL0014 and his companions will tell us a great deal about the evolution of the beluga’s social life.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news
We recognize DL0014, in a herd of some sixty belugas in the Saguenay fjord. Most of the animals are white adults, but we also spot juveniles, including three newborns. The animals are heading for Sainte-Marguerite Bay. We’re in the middle of a sampling campaign for our St. Lawrence beluga biopsy program. We’ve been very productive this morning : we’re already up to seven biopsies! These little carrots of fat will enable us to obtain information on the animals’ hormone levels, and thus give us an idea of the proportion of pregnant female belugas in the St. Lawrence population.
Sponsor
Marell Foundation, Florida, adopted DL0014 (1998).