* Location: Beluga populations in different areas have different migration patterns.
* Season: They move seasonally between feeding and breeding grounds.
* Individual whale: Some whales may travel farther than others within the same population.
Here are some general estimates:
* Short-distance movements: Beluga whales may travel only a few kilometers for daily foraging or between different parts of their summer range.
* Seasonal migrations: They can migrate hundreds of kilometers between their summer feeding grounds and winter breeding grounds. Some populations may migrate thousands of kilometers.
* Extreme migrations: Some beluga whales have been documented traveling over 1,000 kilometers in a single migration.
Examples:
* Cook Inlet, Alaska: Beluga whales in this area travel over 200 kilometers between their summer feeding grounds and winter breeding grounds.
* Hudson Bay, Canada: Beluga whales in this area have been observed traveling over 1,000 kilometers from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic to their winter breeding grounds in Hudson Bay.
Factors affecting migration:
* Food availability: Belugas follow their prey, which can lead to long-distance migrations.
* Water temperature: Belugas prefer colder water, so they may migrate to areas with suitable temperatures.
* Reproduction: They migrate to specific breeding grounds where they mate and give birth.
Tracking beluga whale migrations:
Scientists track beluga whale migrations using various methods, including:
* Satellite tagging: This involves attaching satellite tags to the whales, which allow researchers to track their movements.
* Photo identification: Each beluga whale has a unique pattern of markings on its back, which can be used to identify individuals and track their movements.
* Genetic analysis: DNA samples can be collected from beluga whales to determine their genetic relationships and migration patterns.
Overall, beluga whales are capable of traveling impressive distances, and their migratory patterns are complex and influenced by a variety of factors.