Back Into the Wild: Feces DNA Analyses Track the Return of a Beluga Whale Back to Its Natural Environment

Abstract Following the sudden appearance, and subsequent rehabilitation of an assumed previously captive beluga whale off the coast of Norway, we investigate the animal’s ability to readapt to life in the wild. Using DNA analysis, a survey was set up to assess diet throughout the rehabilitation process, and during a return to wild foraging when rehabilitative feeding had ceased. Metabarcoding of collected feces, confirmed the diversification of the beluga whale’s diet to local prey. These findings are indicative of improved foraging behavior, and the ability of this individual to readapt to life in the wild following a period of rehabilitation. Beyond the case study presented here, we demonstrate the power of DNA analysis as a non-intrusive tool to assess the diet of large mammals, and assess progress adapting to life in the wild following release from captivity and rehabilitation programs.