Papibel
Beluga
Adopted by Produits des pâtes et papiers Domtar Inc.
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ID number
DL0044
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Sex
Unknown
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Year of birth
Before 1972
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Known Since
1988
Distinctive traits
Papibel can be recognized by the small mark on its left flank just behind its head and by the two notches in the center and at the end of its dorsal crest.
Life history
Only seen once, on August 12, 1988, Papibel was already all white. It was therefore born before 1972.
The lack of data on Papibel’s habits and whereabouts makes it impossible to identify the area he frequents.
Without even a genetic analysis, when we have several data on an individual, it is possible to presume its sex. In summer, adult belugas are highly sex-segregated. Males and females show clearly marked preferences, both in their associations and in the areas they frequent.
Observations history in the Estuary
Years in which the animal was not observed Years in which the animal was observed
Latest news
Already an adult at the time, Papibel was observed only once on August 12, 1988. It was found off Les Bergeronnes in a herd of 80 individuals, most of them adults.
Papibel was last seen more than 25 years ago. What happened to it? Did it die? Has it remained invisible to researchers all this time? Impossible to know at the moment. One thing is certain, its story remains a valuable source of information for our knowledge of this fragile population.
Sponsor
Produits des pâtes et papiers Domtar Inc. adopted Papibel (1989).