Killer Whale (Orca)

ORCA WHALE

Orcinus orca

While looking through the many species that are included in the Washington state species of concern, I felt overwhelmingly saddened by the sheer amount of species and, likewise, the human contributions to their places on the list. As soon as I saw the Orca, or Killer, whale (scientific name of Orcinus orca) on the list I knew that this would be the animal I wanted to further research. Growing up in Florida, it was always a dream of mine to visit somewhere in the Pacific Northwest so I could see one of these awe-inspiring and intelligent animals. Orca whales are classified as an endangered species, shockingly to me, the population numbers only 84 whales as of March 2016! While I have known for a while that their population was suffering and dwindling, I had no idea just how few were left living. While Orca whales can inhabit any ocean in the world, they are most typically found in colder coastal waters surrounding the Pacific Northwest and northern Norway.

Orca whales are intelligent mammals (fun fact: their brain weighs about 15 pounds!) that form extremely strong social bonds among their pod. Orca pods typically consist of multiple matrilines, which are a group of whales that are connected via a maternal bond, which is not surprising as females are the dominant gender among them. Mothers and calf's have very strong relationships and many spend much of their lives together. Thanks to one of the longest cetacean field studies ever, conducted right here in the Pacific Northwest, it is known that females live an average of 29 years and males live around 17 years. 

Orca whales face many threats to their population, all of which have contributed to their population decline. It is well known that over-fishing and pollution have had a terrible effect on marine life and the depletion of fish populations; salmon in the Pacific Northwest are just one example of this travesty in practice. This is a serious concern for Orca whales as many fish species are a source of food for the whales. With less food to consume, Orcas have become far weaker and, thus, more susceptible to suffering from diseases and pollution infesting ocean water. The majority of the pollutants that are having such a devastating effect on the ocean waters are caused by humans. Another way we are threatening the Orca whale's existence? Noise pollution! Orca whales highly reliant on their fantastic hearing ability and vocalizations in order to communicate with their fellow whales and to navigate their territory. With the increasing number of boats roaming the same waters the Orcas call home, it only makes sense that the boat engines and vessel sounds are disrupting normal life for the whales and effecting their well being. Finally, in what has, sadly, become a common theme for many of the world's species, climate change, particularly water temperature and water levels, is also adding to the many threats Orca whales are struggling with.

It is not surprising that with Orca's numbers dwindling some have come together to try to form conversation efforts to help save the remaining whales and encourage breeding and, thus, an increasing population. For example, while people love whale watching and getting a chance to glimpse this majestic animal in it's natural habitat, it is now known that boats coming so near to them impedes their normal life and measures have been taken to keep a safer distance. Many are involved with efforts to keep water pollution to a minimum, reducing contaminants in the water and, therefore, increasing fish populations. As fish provide a big source of nutrition for Orca whales, this will be helpful to their overall health. It is also important that the laws preventing Orca whales from being hunted are strictly enforced and maintained. It will be an uphill battle to save this species but it is worth the challenge and if everyone makes even a little contribution a lot of good can be done.   

Photo link: http://us.whales.org/wdc-in-action/facts-about-orcas