Species
Published on Nov 18, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Species name: Killer Whale
Scientific name:
Orcinus Orca
Photo by photographerglen
Size and Appearance:
The Orca is the largest among the toothed whales, and as such, the largest in the dolphin family, with males weighing up to 22,000 pounds and 32 feet in length and females 16, 500 pounds and 28 feet in length (www.nmfs.noaa.gov).
Photo by DanielJPHadley
The Orca is a toothed whale black all over excluding a white belly and spots above their eyes.
Photo by Christopher.Michel
Orcas can be divided into three groups:
1. Resident
2. Transient
3. Offshore
All three differ in behaviour, shape, and size (www.nmfs.noaa.gov).
Photo by essayru
Habitat
The Orca is a mammal with extreme diversity in respect to the conditions of possible habits. It also has a wide, global distribution. While most are common in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, they are also found near Canada and Alaska (www.killer-whale.org/killer-whale-habitat-and-distribution).
Photo by Enzofloyd
Diet
The diet of the Orca is one of great diversity. It's prey include sharks, squids, fish, birds, marine mammals, and other area specific food (www.defenders.com)
Photo by Miles Ritter
Predators
Due to being an apex predator, the orca generally has no direct predators. The only example would be the human species, using the orca for entertainment and commercial purposes.
Photo by Paruula
Reproduction
The birth rate for whales is estimated at 5 years apart for a period of 25 years. Female Orcas are pregnant for 15 to 18 months. The singular calf will then remain with it's mother feeding and growing approximately 3 years (ŵww.nmfs.noaa.gov).
Photo by Paruula
Orcas face endangerment from the hunting they receive for their commercial and entertainment value. They also are treated to poor and tightly restricted conditions once in captivity.
Photo by Ed Bierman
Solution
The most realistic approach to tackling the endangerment is law enforcement and pushing for legislative action. Introducing the Orca Welfare and Safety Act, a bill proposed in May. Once passed and enacted, it will make Orca captivity illegal. Even with failure, the people pushing again and again for these laws will see their work come to fruition.
Photo by Diacritical
