Life history and population dynamics of southern Alaska resident killer whales (Orcinus orca)

摘要: Resident (fish eating) killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the North Pacific have been subject of long-term studies several geographical regions. The current study examines population parameters southern Alaska resident from 1984 to 2010 and develops a model. ranges southeastern through Kodiak archipelago contains over 700 individuals. We follow life histories 343 identifiable 10 pods two clans born before during study. Population were comparable those British Columbia northern 1970s 1980s, except that age maturity was approximately one year earlier. average annual rate increase slightly higher (3.5%) than for residents (2.9%) probably represents at r-max (maximum growth). Reasons high growth could be recovery following past anthropogenic mortalities, or more likely, response increasing salmon returns recent decades, resulting an carrying capacity. slow maturation low reproductive makes these recover natural catastrophes.