Bowhead Whale
"Bowhead Whale" by Aleksi Briclot (Traditional and digital)
“I’ve always been passionate about sea mammals like whales and dolphins. On the side of my daily work, I am working on a story inspired by real events involving killer whales. And not Free Willy, but something emotionally intense. In my art piece, I’ve tried to convey a dramatic feel of urgency about the necessity to stop the extinction of these animals.”
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Habitat
Where do you find this massive creature? Close to the edge of the Arctic ice shelf. Bowhead whales move in patterns that follow the melting and freezing of ice. Most frequently found in the Arctic, they are predominantly seen close to ice floes. During the summer season, they frequent bays, straits and estuaries.
FAMILY LIFE
Bowheads, if not solitary, are found in groups which may aggregate by age and sex. These pods of whales increase in number to around 50 whales in the fall and shrink to about three in the spring. While migrating, whales communicate in vocalizations between 50-300 Hertz. These vocalizations are not only used to communicate with other whales, but also function as a mechanism for locating krill. Bowhead calves are born tail-first near the surface of the ocean after 12 to 16 months in utero. Within 30 minutes after birth, baby bowhead whales are able to swim.
LIFESPAN
A bowhead whale has a lifespan of up to 100 years, although a few have been estimated to live up to 200 years. This makes the bowhead whale one of the longest living animals on the planet.
HUNTING HABITS/DIET
The population in Alaskan waters, representing about 90 percent of the world’s entire population of bowhead whales, is now estimated to be at about 10,000. Their IUCN status is Least Concern, though there are certain areas where they are considered endangered.
POPULATION
The population in Alaskan waters, representing about 90 percent of the world’s entire population of bowhead whales, is now estimated to be at about 10,000.
Status
Their status is Least Concern, though there are certain areas where they are considered endangered.