Posted on Mar 18, 2023
Northern and southern resident orcas have different hunting patterns.
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According to a new study from the University of Washington and NOAA Fisheries, northern and southern resident orcas who live in the Salish Sea have different fish hunting patterns.
The northern resident orca’s population has slowly increased. However, southern resident orca numbers are still dangerously low. Both types of killer whales eat salmon and other fish. Their favorite snack is a big chinook because “they’re lipid rich, and they pack the biggest bang for the buck,” according to Jennifer Tennessen, a UW researcher and lead author of the study.
Typically, when killer whales hunt, the group travels to a foraging habitat, individually dive down to capture fish, then share with their family, Tennessen said.
The northern resident orca’s population has slowly increased. However, southern resident orca numbers are still dangerously low. Both types of killer whales eat salmon and other fish. Their favorite snack is a big chinook because “they’re lipid rich, and they pack the biggest bang for the buck,” according to Jennifer Tennessen, a UW researcher and lead author of the study.
Typically, when killer whales hunt, the group travels to a foraging habitat, individually dive down to capture fish, then share with their family, Tennessen said.
Northern and southern resident orcas have different hunting patterns.
Posted from kuow.org
Wildlife
Posted 1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Females are also more vulnerable to disturbances in the water, especially to frequencies from boats, explained Tennessen. Southern resident male orcas may be trying to catch more fish to provide for their families while the females are feeling the impacts from the disturbances in the habitat.
“Reducing disturbance may be key to recovering these critical female foraging opportunities,” Tennessen said, adding that this new study could help environmental groups create better convocation plans for the killer whales now that they understand their hunting patterns.
Northern resident orcas have tripled their population over the past 50 years. There’s now more than 300 of them. Southern resident orca populations are endangered. Currently, there are 73 known southern Resident Killer Whales."
..."Females are also more vulnerable to disturbances in the water, especially to frequencies from boats, explained Tennessen. Southern resident male orcas may be trying to catch more fish to provide for their families while the females are feeling the impacts from the disturbances in the habitat.
“Reducing disturbance may be key to recovering these critical female foraging opportunities,” Tennessen said, adding that this new study could help environmental groups create better convocation plans for the killer whales now that they understand their hunting patterns.
Northern resident orcas have tripled their population over the past 50 years. There’s now more than 300 of them. Southern resident orca populations are endangered. Currently, there are 73 known southern Resident Killer Whales."
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Orcas are one of the smartest predators in the ocean, of course they are going to exhibit differing hunting styles in different areas. They have learned the most effective way to hunt the available prey.
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Fascinating isn't it? And it depends at least partially on the prey they go after.
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