
This species is currently classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN list of threatened species. Population numberĪccording to the IUCN Red List, the worldwide population of the Killer whale is estimated to be around 50,000 whales. Boat traffic also increases the risk of injuries from collisions. Disturbance by boats and other underwater noises caused by humans can affect their behavior, disrupt social calls and echolocation, and impact the ability of Killer whales to effectively forage in places where whale-watching is increasingly popular. Extensive oil spills can affect these animals, either directly or indirectly, in that it reduces the number of their prey. Being at the top of the food chain, the Killer whale is vulnerable to contaminants accumulating in its tissues, such as the high levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) found in some populations, with potentially negative impacts on its reproduction and survival. It does not store any personal data.The greatest threat to these whales comes from degradation and disturbance of their habitat. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Fortunately for us humans we don’t seem to be on their list of prey (so far).


To top it all off, they are extremely intelligent. They have excellent eyesight above and below the surface, a unique social behavior, they are very large and fast. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Orcas are considered one of the most dangerous predators in the ocean.

The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, orca is the more scientific name (as they are dolphins and not actually whales) and is the name of the article on Wikipedia about them. Killer whale and orca are different names for the same thing. These orcas get their names because they form home ranges around those areas with large fish concentration. They eat a wide array of fish species, including cod, mackerel, halibut, and salmon. Resident orcas are generalists when it comes to feeding, especially when looking at their fish preference. One major reason why orcas should not be held in captivity is because orcas are a family oriented type species. However,…īy looking at the documentary, Blackfish, one can see the many reasons why orcas should not be held in captivity. It is the largest member of the Delphinidae family, or dolphins.

There are a lot of orcas that have been found with scars from shark attacks, so we know that it happens on occasion. Looking at all populations, orcas are generalist eaters, consuming fish, seals and sea lions, dolphins and porpoises, sharks and rays, large whales, cephalopods (octopods and squids), seabirds and more. The killer whale, also known as orca, is the ocean’s top predator. That is except humans, parasites, and diseases, which can significantly affect a killer whale’s health.Ī great white shark can kill an orca, though it usually won’t go after one unless it’s small or sick (the great white would much rather eat something that doesn’t put up as much of a fight). What animal can kill a orca?ĭo Killer Whales Have Predators | Can Anything Kill Orca? When it comes to predator/prey relationships, the killer whale is an apex predator and isn’t known to have natural predators. Killer whales are some of the largest and most powerful animals in the ocean, and no other predator is able to challenge them. 3 Why orcas should not be in captivity?ĭo orcas have predators? Orcas are apex predators, which means they’re at the very top of the food chain and they have no predators.
