Samakwan

Samakwan means “water” in the Maliseet language. This name has been suggested by the Maliseet of Viger First Nation in Cacouna, a village near which female and young belugas come to socialize.

Our first encounter with Samakwan goes back to the summer of 2010, at which time its skin was grey. Since then, its colouring has grown a little more pale. We consider this beluga to be a juvenile. The transition from gray to white skin occurs between the ages of 12 and 16 years. Once Samakwan is completely white, we will have a better idea of the year of its birth.

We assume Samakwan to be a female since every time we have encountered it it has always been in groups composed of females and young. Within their summer range, females form large communities in which they care for newborns and young. These communities are associated with traditional territories, which explains why, more often than not, we find the same females in the same sectors. They tend not to join other communities.

We have observed Samakwan with a newborn on one occasion. At the present moment we are unable to confirm their relationship, because some females will care for calves other than their own. Eventually, DNA analysis from a biopsy taken from the animal’s back could reveal more about its history and lineage.

How Samakwan’s story unfolds will teach us volumes on the evolution of belugas’ social lives. Will we ever see it again with a calf? Will we be able to confirm whether or not it is its own? By better understanding how belugas live, we will be able to better protect them.