Belugas Show Mirror Self-Recognition, Joining Elite Nonhuman Species
A recent study published in PLOS One on May 20 has demonstrated self-recognition in beluga whales. Conducted at the New York Aquarium, the research involved four whales: Kathy, Marina, Natasha, and her calf Maris. Initially, Natasha and Maris exhibited aggressive behavior but later engaged in testing that assessed movement. Natasha successfully passed the mark test by touching a visible mark on her body while in front of a mirror. This discovery aligns belugas with other self-aware species, such as chimpanzees and dolphins. Cognitive psychologist Diana Reiss emphasized the importance of this insight for conservation strategies regarding these marine mammals.
Key facts
- Study published May 20 in PLOS One.
- Four captive belugas studied at New York Aquarium of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
- Belugas named Kathy, Marina, Natasha, and Maris (Natasha's daughter, age 7).
- Two whales (Natasha and Maris) showed mirror self-recognition behaviors.
- Natasha passed the mark test by pressing a marked body part against the mirror.
- Mirror self-recognition previously documented in chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas, bottlenose dolphins, Asian elephants, Eurasian magpies, and cleaner wrasse fish.
- Study co-author Diana Reiss is a cognitive psychologist at Hunter College, City University of New York.
- Estimated 136,000 mature belugas live in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters.
- Belugas face threats from fisheries, shipping, oil and gas exploration, and climate change.
- Researchers hope findings increase empathy and protection for cetaceans.
Entities
Institutions
- New York Aquarium
- Wildlife Conservation Society
- Hunter College
- City University of New York
- Osaka Metropolitan University
- National Geographic
- IFLScience
- PLOS One
- International Union for Conservation of Nature
Locations
- New York
- Arctic
- sub-Arctic
- Alaska
- Japan
- Longmont
- Colorado