Écol’eau
Beluga
Adopted by Fonds plein air 1% pour la planète – Aventure Écotourisme Québec
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ID number
DL9051
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Sex
Male
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Year of birth
Circa 2000
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Known Since
2015
Distinctive traits
It’s hard not to notice the large grey patch in front of the dorsal ridge on DL9051’s left flank. This individual also has several notches in its ridge.
Life history
The young DL9051 was first photographed by our team in 2015. At the time, his skin was still slightly grey. Belugas change colour with age and turn completely white between the ages of 12 and 16. Ever since our encounter with DL9051 in 2016, it has been completely white. We therefore estimate that this beluga was born around the year 2000.
To uncover the genetic secrets of DL9051, on September 25, 2016, we took a tiny sample of skin and fat called a biopsy. Amongst other things, this analysis revealed that DL9051 is a male.
How DL9051’s story unfolds will teach us volumes on the evolution of belugas’ social lives. For example, which sector will he favour as he grows older? Who will his lifelong companions be? By better understanding how belugas live, we will be able to better protect them.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Sponsor
Fonds plein air 1% pour la planète – Aventure Écotourisme Québec adopted Écol’eau (2021).