Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Sep 24/01) - Did you know killer whales don't like walruses? And harp seals ward off mating competitors by inflating their nasal cavities?

It's true and it's all in Marine Mammals of Nunavut by Pierre Richard.

The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board in partnership with Qikiqtani School Operations launched the 200-page colour book earlier this month.

Written in English and Inuktitut, the guidebook heads to Qikiqtani schools, libraries and hunters and trappers associations this month.

Illustrations and photographs were provided by Iglulik's Lucy MacDonald, Iqaluit's Glenn Williams and Pannituuq's Andrew Qappik.

"It was a challenge. Many of the animals I haven't seen before," said Qappik.

The noted illustrator, known for co-designing Nunavut's flag and coat of arms, said he hopes the book inspires youth. "I grew up without a lot of graphic art and maybe students will see this and think they can reach their goals too."

Iqaluit high school students Yvonne Koonark and Laura Saimaiyuk instinctively liked the pictures.

Teacher Brian Gillis, meanwhile, said he might use the book for science class.

"It's nice to see curriculum with Inuktitut. We don't have anything (besides this)," he said.

Marine Mammals of Nunavut is the second in a series of four guidebooks on Nunavut wildlife.

The first was Birds of Nunavut, published in 1997. The next book, to be co-produced with the Department of Sustainable Development, is Terrestrial Mammals of Nunavut.