Narwhals are hunted by some Arctic communities for their meat and tusks. However, international trade in narwhal products is strictly regulated to prevent over exploitation.
Habitat loss and degradation:
- Narwhals rely on sea ice for breeding, feeding, and migration. As sea ice declines in the Arctic due to climate change, narwhals face habitat loss and disruption of their life cycle.
Climate change:
- Warmer temperatures and changing Arctic ecosystems, such as shifts in prey distribution, can impact narwhal feeding, reproductive success, and overall survival.
Pollution and contaminants:
- Narwhals can accumulate toxins and pollutants from the marine environment, which can affect their health and reproductive success.
Disturbance and noise:
- Increasing human activities in the Arctic, including shipping, seismic surveys, and tourism, can disturb narwhal behavior and interrupt their normal activities, such as feeding and mating.
Entanglement:
- Narwhals can become entangled in fishing gear or other marine debris, which can lead to injury or death.
Unsustainable hunting practices:
- In some areas, narwhal hunting practices that exceed sustainable levels can contribute to population decline.