In the cold waters of the Arctic, a mysterious animal swims discreetly: the narluga, a rare hybrid between a narwhal and a beluga. Discovered through DNA analysis of an atypical skull found in Greenland, this cetacean fascinates with its unique characteristics and raises questions about the future of Arctic marine ecosystems.
The narluga was first identified in 2019, thanks to genetic analyses conducted on a skull discovered nearly thirty years earlier in Greenland. This atypical skull, with its wide jaw and particularly robust teeth, intrigued scientists due to its unusual appearance. After years of research, analyses confirmed that it belonged to a hybrid: the descendant of a female narwhal and a male beluga. This hybridization is particularly surprising because the long, twisted tusk of male narwhals is generally considered a secondary sexual characteristic, an attribute that male belugas do not possess.
Both narwhals and belugas belong to the family Monodontidae, but their appearances and behaviors differ widely. Narwhals are famous for their long spiral tusk, a developed incisor primarily found in males, while belugas, nicknamed "canaries of the sea," are known for their white color and complex vocalizations. The narluga, however, exhibits intermediate characteristics, mixing traits from both parent species.
While the narluga remains an enigma, the information available from analyses of the skull allows for a preliminary portrait. Unlike narwhals, which primarily feed on fish and squid due to their reduced dentition, the narluga appears to have a more varied diet thanks to its solid teeth, capable of crushing prey like crustaceans. This characteristic suggests that it may occupy an ecological niche different from that of its two parents.
Behaviorally, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions, as no living narluga has yet been observed in its natural habitat. However, researchers hypothesize that it may adopt a hybrid social behavior, combining the gregarious habits of belugas, often seen in large groups, with the more discreet behaviors of narwhals.
Another major question concerns the narluga's reproductive capability. While many animal hybrids, such as mules or ligers, are sterile, no study has yet determined whether the narluga can produce offspring.
The discovery of the narluga also raises questions about the impact of climate change. With the rapid melting of sea ice, the territories of narwhals and belugas, once distinct, are increasingly overlapping. This increased cohabitation could facilitate further hybridizations between these species, making the narluga an indicator of ongoing ecological changes in the Arctic.
Scientists hope that studying this rare hybrid will provide better insight into interspecies interactions and adaptation mechanisms in changing environments. Yet, the narluga, by its mere existence, also underscores the fragility of marine ecosystems and the urgency to preserve these unique regions.