Why are Killer Whales Endangered and What is being Done to Save Them?

Unfortunately, killer whales have become endangered. Many wonder why are killer whales endangered when they are such beautiful mammals. Multiple threats have caused the whale to find a place on the endangered species list. Many conservation projects are trying to save the whales from extinction.

About Killer Whales

Killer whales are beautiful mammals with a very distinct black and white color pattern. A killer whale is enormous in size, reaching up to 32 feet in length and weighing more than 16,500 pounds. These whales have a long life span of up to 50 to 60 years. These whales are different from most because they are killers. They consume a diet of harbor seals, sea lions, baleen whales, and other mammals of that size. They attack and kill larger food, which is different than most whales.

Unlike most whales, the killer whale lives in a community (pod) of other killer whales in numbers of 40-50, although the average size of a pod is only about 15. These whales are very social, which is one reason they live in large numbers.

Killer whales often find the coastal waters of higher altitudes home, but can travel to all areas of the world. They tend to stray from tropical waters. Although these whales call all the oceans of the world home, they are most often found in the North Pacific, Arctic, and Antarctica.

Threats to the Species

Many people often wonder why are killer whales endangered if they are so unique. Sadly, there are many threats to the whales that drastically decrease their population numbers. Many contaminants in the ocean kill these whales, causing their numbers to diminish. The contaminants often include oil spills. Many of the killer whales are struck by vessels or entangled in fishing gear. The killer whales are often victims of whaling vessels.

Conservation Attempts

Numerous conservation attempts are underway to try and save the killer whale population. The whales are protected by both the MMPA and ESA. Both agencies have made numerous projects possible to replenish the killer whale population. A large project to save the whales involves making whaling inside of U.S. waters illegal. Although it still occurs outside of U.S. waters, the amount of whales killed is believed to be low.

To eliminate the number of whales killed by vessel strikes and fishing gear, many ships and boats contain equipment to monitor where the whales are at. Many agenesis frequently monitor the whales to keep track of them and record their population numbers.

Other conservation projects to save the killer whales include keeping their food supply adequate. Salmon hatcheries are used to increase the number of fish for the whales to eat. With these efforts in effect, the endangered killer whales may someday be removed from the endangered species list and no longer be threatened by extinction.