Narwhals Are in Danger of Extinction Due to Excessive Hunting

The Narwhal population is in danger due to the excessive hunting for their meat, blubber, and spiraling ivory tusks.

When you think about the ivory trade, you most likely think of the dangers that elephants and rhinos are facing.

While you’d be right to think of those beautiful animals — there’s another species that most people aren’t thinking about.

The Narwhal — also known as “unicorns of the sea” — live in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia … and they are very much under threat.

Take a look at these photos …

Narwhals are best known for their tusks, which can grow up to 10 feet long. And because of their rarity, the average price of a narwhal tusk is around $3,500–$12,000. Double tusks — which are even rarer — can go up to $25,000.

Scientists say the excessive hunting in Greenland has nearly wiped them out in that area. The numbers in Greenland have dropped from 1,945 in 2008 to only 246 when they were last estimated 2 years ago.

The numbers could be lower today, and unfortunately, the local government hasn’t done enough to protect them.

Access to Narwhals has historically been limited due to the challenges of working in the places they live in, so much remains to be known about this magical animal and the intricacies of their lives.

Based on what we know, it’s clear that they have rich cultures and complex social relationships.

So many of us will be heartbroken if Narwhals are wiped out … these magnificent creatures must be protected.

We’ll continue to pay attention to this urgent issue and let our audience know important information about them — because this senseless killing for profit needs to stop!

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What else is happening with our oceans and sea life? Watch this intense video…

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What do you think about the possibility of a world without Narwhals? Leave a comment below.

(Cover image: Dotted Yeti/Shutterstock)