PARIS: Narwhals may not be much good at hunting in summer, according to new research that warns the unicorn-tusked whales may be dangerously reliant on their ice-bound winter habitat that could"disappear" with climate change.
" suggests that they could actually rely on the wintering grounds to build up sufficient body reserves and energy stores to sustain year-round activities," said Philippine Chambault of the University of California Santa Cruz, co-author of the study published in the journal Biology Letters on Wednesday .
Although they are not endangered, there are growing concerns about the whales as the planet warms and ice melts in their Arctic habitat. While the exact causes of the low summer feeding rate are not yet clear, researchers said it could be due to a decline or relocation of squid and cod, lower energy needs, or even because they are picky eaters.Narwhal eating habits are hard to track because they dive deep, up to 1km and stay in the open water.
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