Greenland - Narwhal Notebook

Whales with spears. A traditional travel poster-style image of two male narwhal (Monodon monoceros) "tusking," crossing their tusks, with sea ice and the mainland of Greenland in the background. Text reading "Greenland" and "Kalaallit Nunaat" (Greenland in Greenlandic) also appears. Greenland's flag depicting the setting sun reflecting off the ocean appears at upper left. Customize by adding your own additional text. The purpose of tusking, a common activity during warmer parts of the year, is unknown. It may be a friendly greeting or a way to remove lice that typically infest the base of the tusk. Even the ultimate purpose of the spiraled tusk is not known for sure. It may serve the same purpose as deer and moose antlers, the peacock's tail feathers, or a lion's mane - to attract a mate. Some researchers believe it may serve as a sensory organ. Perhaps it serves more than one purpose.