How do you identify Killer whales?
Killer whales have a ‘dorsal fin’ and ‘saddle’ patch — the grey area behind the dorsal fin — that are distinctive to each individual whale. Whale researchers use detailed photographs of the saddle patch and dorsal fin to identify unique characteristics — including nicks, scratches, and other marks — that distinguish individual whales from each other.
Resident Orca whales travel in tight family groups commonly referred to as ‘pods.’ Orca pods are multiple matrilineal sub-groups — mothers with offspring — traveling as a cohesive family unit. These subgroups travel together year-around, and in some cases there are as many as four to five generations traveling together in one large sub-group.
Tight social units are another reliable way to identify orca whales. Look for the most distinctive whale or distinguishable features of a whale, then identify that whale. Once one whale is identified, refer to the family tree to assist in identifying other whales in the vicinity.
Researchers rely on this detailed information to determine mothers of new calves, whale survivorship, and social preferences during large multi-family gatherings (aka ‘Super Pod’).
— Lineage information, photos courtesy of The Center for Whale Research/All Rights Reserved
|
|
