A team of researchers from the University of Washington and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has uncovered more information about resident killer whales and what they eat. It has long been known that they like to hunt fish, especially salmon.
But while some resident killer whale populations are thriving, others are struggling to survive. So researchers want to learn more about the role diet plays in their survival.
“Killer whales are incredibly intelligent and learn foraging strategies from their matriarchs, who know where the most abundant prey resources in the area are,” said Amy Vann, assistant professor of aquatic and fisheries sciences at the University of Washington.・Mr. Sais says. ”
“So what we wanted to know is whether all of this social learning influences the dietary preferences of different resident killer whale populations and pods within a population.”
The research team studied the culinary preferences of two populations of orcas: Alaska’s killer whales and southern killer whales that live in the Salish Sea and off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and northern California.
Both populations had a preference for salmon, especially chinook, chum, and coho salmon. However, differences were observed when it came to hunting.
They ate different types of salmon at certain times of the year and pursued other fish species to supplement their diet.
The research will aid conservation efforts for killer whales, which live south from Northern California to the Gulf of Alaska. They are on the verge of extinction, but other populations are increasing in size.
“We know that one of the main threats facing endangered southern killer whales is food scarcity,” Van Seese said.
Thomas – Stock.adobe.com – For illustrative purposes only, not an actual whale
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