Study of orcas in North Pacific finds finds signs of inbreeding, which means orcas are dying at a younger age and producing fewer offspring
Endangered Southern Resident killer whales are facing yet another threat to their survival: Their critically small population of just 73 animals means they are becoming increasingly inbred.
The findings show a correlation between levels of inbreeding and increased mortality rates, as inbred orcas are dying at a younger age and consequently producing fewer offspring. “Our study will help the Canadian government with some advice that it needs to decide how to ensure that we don’t run into the same issue with Northern Residents,” said Lance Barrett-Lennard, the senior research scientist with Raincoast.
Unlike other populations in the North Pacific, the Southern Resident population has failed to grow consistently, despite several legislated protections. A demographic simulation included in the study suggests that if the inbreeding is addressed, the animals’ numbers would likely grow.
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