Orcinus orca

Killer whale [Southern Resident DPS]

Family: Delphinidae · Class: Mammalia · Order: Artiodactyla

Conservation status: Endangered

The Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a distinct population segment of the largest member of the dolphin family. Adult males reach 8.2 to 9.8 meters (27 to 32 feet) in length and weigh 3,600 to 5,400 kilograms (8,000 to 12,000 pounds). Females are smaller at 6.1 to 7.0 meters (20 to 23 feet) and 1,400 to 2,700 kilograms (3,000 to 6,000 pounds). The species displays distinctive black and white coloration with white patches behind each eye and a gray saddle behind the dorsal fin. Males possess tall, triangular dorsal fins reaching 1.8 meters (6 feet) in height, while females have shorter, curved fins. The Southern Resident distinct population segment inhabits the inland waters of Washington State and southern British Columbia, including Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. During summer months, these whales concentrate in the waters around the San Juan Islands and southern Vancouver Island. In winter, their range extends along the outer coast from southeastern Alaska to central California, with documented sightings in California waters from Monterey Bay to the Oregon border. Southern Resident killer whales prefer deep, cold waters with strong tidal currents that concentrate their prey. They utilize both nearshore and offshore marine environments, typically remaining within 160 kilometers (100 miles) of shore. The population shows strong site fidelity to specific foraging areas, particularly the salmon runs of the Columbia River system and coastal streams. These marine mammals are highly social, living in matrilineal family groups called pods. The Southern Resident population consists of three pods: J, K, and L pods. Their diet consists almost exclusively of salmon, with Chinook salmon comprising over 80 percent of their prey. Females reach sexual maturity between 12 and 16 years and give birth to single calves after a 17-month gestation period. Calving intervals average 4 to 5 years, and females may reproduce until age 40. The species exhibits complex vocalizations unique to each pod, functioning as acoustic signatures for family identification. The Southern Resident distinct population segment was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2005, with the listing becoming effective in 2006. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, NMFS listed the population as endangered on February 16, 2006, followed by USFWS on April 4, 2007. The current population consists of approximately 75 individuals as of 2024, representing a decline from historical estimates of 140 to 200 whales. Primary threats include prey limitation due to declining salmon populations, vessel noise and disturbance, and chemical contaminants. Recovery efforts focus on salmon habitat restoration, vessel regulations, and contaminant reduction throughout their range.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.