(REUTERS) - Researchers in Canada's Arctic have captured rare images of bowhead whales, one of the world's largest and longest-living mammals.

The drone footage was taken over Cumberland Sound near the Arctic circle, so University of British Columbia scientists could study the animals social behaviour patterns, population, feeding habits and ages.

WWF says Bowheads (Balaena mysticetus) can live up over 100 years and average 50-60 feet (15-18 metres) long and estimates their population at about 10,000. Like other large whales, they are threatened by habitat loss, toxins and climate change, as well as oil and gas exploration and increased shipping in Arctic waters.