The beluga whale is a mammal of the genus Beluga in the family Cetidae, also known as the Beruka whale or the sea canary. White whales are roughly distributed around the Arctic region, with the vast majority living in the waters north of Europe, Alaska, and Canada. It is a highly social animal with a tight grouping structure, usually grouped by peers and the same sex, and there are also smaller mother son pairs. Beluga whales are known for their varied calls and rich facial expressions. Whales have enormous economic value. Since the 17th century, the hunting of white whales by whalers has led to a sharp decline in their population and has been recognized as CITES by the Washington Convention Organization. White whales are second-class protected animals in China.