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Drone captures narwhals using their tusks to explore, forage and play

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans used drones to observe narwhals employing their tusks for foraging, exploration, and play, marking a first in the wild.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, recorded 17 distinct behaviors, highlighting the interactions between narwhals and Arctic char.
Greg O'Corry-Crowe stated that tusking behavior may serve to assess qualities or display to potential mates, revealing unexpected functions of tusks.
Using drones allows researchers to observe narwhals without disturbing them, providing insights into how climate change affects these animals.

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Sci Tech Daily

Caught On Drone: Narwhals Stun Prey and Play With Their Tusks

Narwhals, famous for their long, unicorn-like tusks, may use them for much more than display. Drone research has revealed that they actively employ their tusks in hunting, stunning fish before eating them. The footage also suggests they engage in play and possibly social learning. These discoveries challenge long-standing assumptions and highlight how Arctic wildlife is [...]

Narwhals spotted using tusks for non-mating fun

That pointy tooth can grow up to 10 feet long.

4 days ago·United States

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Phys.org

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Drone captures narwhals using their tusks to explore, forage and play

The narwhal (Monodon monoceros), an iconic whale of remote Arctic waters, is widely known for its long, spiral tusk, which is really an elongated tooth. The tusk, which is predominantly found in males and can grow up to 10 feet long, is one of the most fascinating traits in nature and the inspiration for myths such as the unicorn. It is believed to play a role in competition for mates, including mating displays. The tusk may have other uses and …

4 days ago·United Kingdom

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Newswise

Unicorn of the Sea: Drone Reveals Narwhals’ Never-Before-Seen Tusk Behavior

Using drones, 17 distinct behaviors of narwhals were captured in the wild. Findings reveal complex behaviors of the Arctic’s iconic whale never seen before. This highly gregarious whale uses its tusk to investigate, manipulate and influence the behavior of a fish, the Arctic char. The study also provides the first evidence of play, specifically exploratory-object play, and the first reports of kleptoparasitism, a “food thief” situation, among nar

4 days ago·Charlottesville, United States

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