Sources & fact-check policy
Narwhal Whales is an educational reference, so the facts have to be right. This page explains where our information comes from, how we handle folklore versus fact, and the specific corrections we made when rebuilding the original site.
Where our facts come from
For each species and topic we rely on primary, reputable wildlife authorities — national fisheries and wildlife agencies, the global Red List, and respected museum and research institutions — rather than secondary blogs. Figures (size, weight, lifespan, population, conservation status) are given as typical ranges, not exact measurements of any individual animal.
- IUCN Red List — Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)
- NOAA Fisheries — Narwhal
- NAMMCO — Narwhal
- Smithsonian Ocean — Narwhal: The Unicorn of the Sea
- NOAA Fisheries — Beluga Whale
- NOAA Fisheries — Bowhead Whale
- NOAA Fisheries — Killer Whale
- IUCN Red List — Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)
- IUCN Red List — Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
- NOAA Fisheries — Ringed Seal
- NOAA — Greenland Shark
Folklore vs. fact
The narwhal has a rich legend — its tusks were sold for centuries as magical 'unicorn horns'. We always present that history clearly as folklore, never as fact. The animal itself is real and remarkable on the evidence alone.
Corrections we made to the original site
- Arctic, not Antarctic. The original habitat page placed narwhals in the Antarctic. Narwhals are an Arctic species; this is corrected throughout.
- Population updated. Older copy estimated 40,000–50,000 narwhals; the modern estimate is well over 100,000 mature individuals, and the IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.
- Folklore framed as folklore. 'Magic powers' attributed to the tusk are presented as historical legend, not fact.
- Spelling & clarity. 'Calfs' is corrected to 'calves', and dated phrasing has been modernised.
Corrections welcome
Spotted an error? Tell us — include a source and we'll review and update. We date our reviews and re-check pages against current sources.