Scientists study white whale language

Although white whales have long been scientific research subjects, there is still much to learn about the mammals. Researchers from the Moscow Institute of Oceanology spend every summer at the Solovetsky Archipelago, in the White Sea, studying the habits

There are about 80 female whales with their newly-borns living in the area.

Researchers' look-out station

Researchers are taking a lot of photos of belugas, though they observe the whales without handling them and make sure tourists do the same. Unlike their close relatives – dolphins – belugas are afraid of humans.

Some say they can now recognise the features of their ‘test subjects’.

A special camera has been installed at the bottom of the White Sea, enabling scientists to make a film about the belugas.

One thing they found particularly notable is the whales’ communication habits.

Yet scientists say belugas are communicating with each other constantly: “Their language is rather diverse. Actually, they appear to be very intelligent creatures,” says Roman Belikov, senior researcher from Moscow Institute of Oceanology.

When winter comes, scientists will continue looking for patterns in behaviour and sounds made by belugas, trying to decipher them and understand those mysterious creatures.