Narwhals are among the most enigmatic Arctic cetaceans, with their distinctive spiral tusk serving sensory functions now understood to be critical to their ecological behavior and welfare.
Narwhals are specialists so finely tuned to their Arctic environment that any change in that environment creates welfare challenges. Their sensitive tusk-based sensory system, their dependence on sea ice for protection from predators and for resting, and their specialized diet create a species with narrow environmental tolerances. Increasing Arctic shipping noise disrupts the acoustic environment narwhals depend on for communication and navigation. Climate-driven habitat changes alter the prey distribution and sea ice dynamics they evolved to navigate. Conservation approaches that limit Arctic industrial development and shipping noise protect the sensory and ecological conditions narwhals need to meet their behavioral and physiological needs.