The Adaptive Behavior of the White Whales Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776) in the Southern Herd of the White Sea under Conditions of the Local Habitat During the Breeding Season

Abstract

Research on a southern herd of white (beluga) whales conducted during the summer seasons of 2003–2006 in the southeastern part of the Onega Bay revealed the specific behavioral features that allow white whales to sustain their habitation in the local hydrological conditions. It has been shown that once the white whales occur in some areas of habitation with complicated hydrological conditions, the animals develop an entire complex of behavioral adaptations that provide their comfort and their successful reproduction in the habitat.