1. Birth: Beluga whales are born in the spring or summer after a gestation period of approximately 14-15 months. A single calf is usually born, although twins occur rarely. The calf is born tail first, and the mother assists it in reaching the surface for its first breath.
2. Nursing and Early Development: The newborn calf depends on its mother's milk for nutrition. The mother produces a rich and nutritious milk that contains high levels of fat and proteins. The calf nurses for several months until it starts transitioning to solid foods. During this time, the calf learns to swim, dive, and socialize with other belugas.
3. Independence: Beluga calves gradually become more independent as they grow older. They start exploring their surroundings and spending time away from their mothers. However, they remain closely associated with their mothers for protection and guidance.
4. Sexual Maturity: Beluga whales reach sexual maturity at different ages depending on their sex. Males typically reach maturity between 8 and 12 years old, while females reach maturity between 4 and 8 years of age.
5. Mating and Reproduction: Beluga whales are social animals and engage in complex courtship behaviors before mating. Males compete for females, and successful males form temporary pair bonds with females during the mating season. Females give birth every two or three years, and the calving interval can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions and nutrition.
6. Social Structure: Beluga whales live in social groups called pods. Pods can vary in size, ranging from a few individuals to several hundred. They form strong social bonds and cooperate in activities such as hunting, feeding, and protecting themselves from predators.
7. Lifespan: Beluga whales have a relatively long lifespan. In the wild, they can live for up to 60 years, with some individuals reaching even older ages. However, their average lifespan is closer to 40-50 years.
It's worth noting that beluga whales face various threats in their natural habitats, including habitat loss, pollution, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting these magnificent creatures and ensuring the sustainability of their populations.