Short Wave
Rare Narwhal Footage Shows New Tusk Activities
Mar 28, 2025
Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR's science correspondent, dives into the enigmatic world of narwhals and their fascinating tusks. She discusses rare drone footage that has revealed new tusk activities, including their roles in social behaviors and hunting techniques. Personal stories from an Inuit community add depth to the conversation. Nell also highlights the challenges researchers face studying these elusive creatures and the implications of climate change on their habitat. Join her as she unveils the mysteries of the 'unicorn of the sea'!
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Quick takeaways
- New drone footage reveals narwhals use their tusks for social interactions and hunting, showcasing their multifunctional importance.
- Research highlights that climate change threatens narwhals by altering their habitat, emphasizing the need for studies on their survival.
Deep dives
The Fascinating Tusks of Narwhals
Narwhals, often referred to as the 'unicorns of the sea,' possess long, spiraled tusks that serve various functions beyond mere mating displays. The tusks, primarily found in males, have been observed to facilitate social interactions among narwhals, including a behavior known as 'tusking,' which is akin to gentle sparring. Recent drone footage has revealed that these tusks may also play a role in hunting, as narwhals were seen using them for manipulating and tracking fish in the water. This multi-functional use suggests that the tusks could be considered similar to a Swiss army knife, employed not only for mating but also for foraging and potential communication.
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