The Nature of Arctic Whales: Belugas, Bowheads and Narwhals

Patrick Colgan is the executive director of the Canadian Museum of
Nature in Ottawa.

Paine, who has a long association with whales and whaling, introduces
the three Arctic species (beluga, bowhead, and narwhal) by discussing
the recent history of individuals in captivity. The first half of the
book reviews the biology of the whales and includes fascinating material
on adaptations (such as body size, blubber, and fat-rich milk), the
geographical distribution of the stocks, migrations and use of
estuaries, predation by bears and killer whales, feeding, reproduction,
and other social interactions, including sound communication (belugas
are known as “sea canaries”). The second half of the book, which
examines the impact of humankind on these whales, takes the reader from
the days of Inuit and European whaling to the present unhappy situation
of endangered, polluted, disturbed, and hunted populations.

Paine’s descriptions of mating and birth, and of Native hunting, are
particularly compelling, while her discussion of the intense controversy
surrounding whaling is cool and objective. Splendid photographs and
drawings enhance this polished and highly recommended book.