Beluga Whales (WorldLife Library Series) [Paperback]

Anthony Martin (Author), Tony Martin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Worldlife Library | Publication Date: October 1996

An engaging introduction to this small, charismatic whale, Beluga Whales explores the beluga's evolution, physical characteristics, distribution, migration, behavior, and social structure.

Belugas, or white whales, are particularly familiar to us as exhibits in captive displays around the world. They are capable of a wide range of bodily and facial expressions. Anthony Martin discusses the practical and moral issues raised by keeping belugas in captivity. Whaling, hunting by native Arctic peoples, and pollution of our seas and waterways is also discussed.

In addition, Martin acquaints readers with whale-watching, providing details of where, when and how to get close to belugas in their natural environment. Lavishly illustrated throughout with the best available images of this photogenic whale, Beluga Whales will appeal to a wide audience of nature lovers.

Also recommended: Humpback Whales, Killer Whales, Blue Whales, Beluga Whales, Sperm Whales, Sharks, Bottlenose Dolphins.

Product Details

• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press (MN) (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896583066
• ISBN-13: 978-0896583061
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #658,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and well book, June 14, 2000

By 

Michael Delaware - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beluga Whales (WorldLife Library Series) (Paperback)

I found this book to be incredibly informative and very well written. It gives the reader a simple, yet complete introduction to these beautiful creatures. I first became facinated with the Beluga whales when I saw the ones at Sea World in Orlando a few years ago. This book by Tony Martin allowed me to learn more about them. Mr. Martin has been studying the Beluga whales for over 17 years, and gives the reader a wonderful descriptive summary complete with the whales pattern of life, evolution and unique characteristics. This book is also has a collection of remarkable photographs that allow you to get a complete understanding of these animals. This is a book anyone will enjoy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT source on Beluga Whales, April 8, 2008

By 

D. M. McGregor "M. McGregor" (Fort Worth, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beluga Whales (WorldLife Library Series) (Paperback)

This is one of the best books I've gotten about Beluga Whales. Can't usually find it in bookstores, but I hit the gold mine when I found one online.

3.0 out of 5 stars Beluga Review, March 30, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Beluga Whales (WorldLife Library Series) (Paperback)

Beluga Whales by Tony Martin is an awesome book. If you like Beluga whales and learning facts about them, this is the book for you!
This book was published in 1996, therefore if you are looking at population or captive statistics this is not the book for you. On the other hand though, if you are looking for basic facts about beluga whales you have the right book!
This book explains what scientist believe the Delphinapterus levcas (scientific name for beluga whale) evolved from deer, cows and other types of ungulates,(land animals).
The Beluga's appearance is explained also very well. They are born a grayish tint and stay with their mothers until matured. Belugas turn white and their pectoral fins turn up at the tip as their age progresses. They are round shaped and are not made for fast swimming.
Beluga whales covers their interaction with each other. They communicate by "groans, buzzes, clicks, whispers, pops, raspberries, and other myriad noises." Belugas travel in "pods" which are groups of whales in a pack of approximately 18 belugas.
The book has many more topics covered such as how they treat their young, migration, feeding, interaction with humans, human hunting and what they use beluga for, and many other topics. This is a very factual and informative book. I would recommend this book to any person who has an interest in learning about beluga whales.