The long tusk of the male narwhal earned these whales their fanciful nickname. But there’s more to these Arctic mammals than their unique spiral tooth.
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Articles on Whales
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New research is uncovering that whales have their own distinct microbiomes that may play important roles in animal health. But how do scientists study whale microbiomes?
How did whales that feed on tiny prey evolve into the largest creatures on Earth? And why don’t they get even bigger?
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating accumulation of rubbish the size of a continent, has whales and dolphins in its heart.
Do animals have their own culture? A researcher studying the culture of whales argues that they do. She says understanding that may be one way to save them from extinction.
These small shrimp-like creatures are more than just whale food.
Dead whales usually sink, so most evidence of ‘ship strikes’ quickly disappears beneath the waves.
Scientists have used drones and 3D modelling to work out the weight of Earth’s largest mammals without killing them.
The Trump administration is changing implementation of the Endangered Species Act in ways that conservationists say would reduce protection for some of America’s most threatened wildlife.
As the field of animal law continues growing, so does public awareness of the problems with inconsistent ways that Canadian law protects some animals, while leaving others behind.
Japan’s exit from the IWC should spur on more global cooperation on environmental issues, not less.
North Atlantic right whales are headed toward a traumatic extinction, but could rebound if humans can get out of their way.
Russia isn’t the only nation suspected of training marine mammals for military use – the US, UK, and Ukraine have all done so in the past.
Protecting forests and wetlands, which absorb and store carbon, is one way to slow climate change. Scientists are proposing similar treatment for marine animals that help store carbon in the oceans.
Our flippered friends evolved from small, hooved deer-like creatures more than 50m years ago.
The pressure in the deepest part of the ocean can be 1,000 times greater than the pressure we experience at sea level – but creatures that live and visit there have some very special features.
New research shows how marine mammals ignore the rules of biology to thrive in the world’s coldest waters
Climate change is shrinking Arctic sea ice and opening the region to ship traffic. Whales, seals and other marine mammals could be at risk unless nations adopt rules to protect them.
The only sea creature known to attack blue whales is the orca, also known as a ‘killer whale’. But humans present a much bigger threat to them.
The noise from motor boats, sonar and other industrial activity interferes with the underwater chatter of fishes.
Top contributors
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Postdoctoral Researcher and Wildlife Scientist, Macquarie University
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Research Fellow in Marine Science and Manager Whales & Climate Program, Griffith University
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Adjunct Professor, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania
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Curator Vertebrates, Te Papa Tongarewa
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Professor Evolution & Ecology, UNSW Sydney
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Adjunct Research Associate, Monash University
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Associate Professor, School of Science, Edith Cowan University
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Honorary Professor at Bangor University; Director of Sea Watch Foundation, Bangor University
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Reader in Biology, University of St Andrews
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Antarctic Law Researcher, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC, University of Tasmania
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Associate Professor of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington
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PhD student, Monash University
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Lecturer in Ecology, Scotland's Rural College
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Senior Researcher in Marine Biology, Aarhus University
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Professor of Marine Ecology, Macquarie University
