Studies of the structure of the Solovetsky reproductive gathering of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in the White Sea using the photo identification method

Parental behavior of the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) in natural environment

“…Photo identification of individual composition of the examined pod has demonstrated that only some females with calves (approximately one third of the pod, with their number annually varying) visit this area on a daily basis (Chernetsky et al, 2010(Chernetsky et al, , 2011. Typi cally, they cluster into small groups (of four to seven individuals) and, as we believe, form the core of the pod.…”

“…The maximal number over the summer season is approximately 100 belugas (with variation of ±20-30 individual depending on the year). However, the results of photo identification suggest that at least 300 individuals visit the water plot near the Beluzhy Cape every summer (Chernetsky et al, 2010(Chernetsky et al, , 2011. A characteristic feature of the Solovetsky RG is that it is mainly composed of females with calves of different ages, which according to photo identifica tion spend 3 years or more with their mothers.…”

“…This period is putatively deter mined by their physiological state, biological demands (for example, the need of females to meet sexually mature males for successful mating), and the condi tions favorable for parturition and further raising of infants (Chernetsky et al, 2011). In addition, group ing of females with calves enhances socialization of the latter and acquisition of the skills necessary for survival (Krasnova et al, 2009).…”

“…Such summer communities com posed of family groups play an important role in the social contacts between the members of pods by main taining the hierarchical relationships and enhancing training and socialization of young animals (Smith et al, 1994;Bel'kovich and Kirillova, 2000;Bel'kov ich et al, 2002). Upon reaching sexual maturity, the males leave the family to form separate groups, which migrate and mix with female and calf pods only during the reproductive season (Kleinenberg et al, 1964;Yablokov et al, 1972;Chernetsky et al, 2011).…”

“…Since 2007, photo identification of individuals was used to clarify the dynamics of animal visits to the examined water plot and to determine the individual composition of beluga groups (Chernetsky et al, 2010(Chernetsky et al, , 2011.…”