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Source-This post on Killer Whales has been created based on the article “What is behind orcas aka killer whales sinking boats?” published in “The Indian Express” on 18 May 2024.
Why in the news?
Two individuals were recently saved when a pod of orcas, also called killer whales, sank their 15-meter-long sailing boat in the Strait of Gibraltar, about 22.5 kilometers from the Moroccan coast.
About Killer Whales
| Aspect | Details |
| Description | Killer Whales are found across the world. They are also known as Orcas. It is the largest member of the Delphinidae family, or dolphins. |
| Population Distribution | Killer whales are found in all oceans. They are mostly found in cold places like Antarctica, Norway, and Alaska. However, they also live in warmer tropical and subtropical waters. |
| Family | Members of this family include all dolphin species, as well as other larger species, such as long-finned pilot whales and short-finned pilot whales, whose common names also contain “whale” instead of “dolphin”. |
| Behaviour | 1) Killer whales are highly social, and most live in social groups called pods. Pods are groups of maternally related individuals seen together more than half the time. 2) Given their highly social and curious behaviour, orcas often approach fishing vessels to assess if there is any fish in the net, or just to observe people on the vessel. 3) They rely on underwater sound to feed, communicate, and navigate. |
| Body Size | They can measure up to 8 metres in length and weigh up to 6 tonnes as adults |
| Conservation Status | They are considered Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species |
What is behind orcas aka killer whales sinking boats?
1) Playful Behavior-Some scientists think that the orcas targeting boats may just be a playful behavior or a passing trend. This may have been started by a few individuals and briefly followed by others before being stopped.
2) Orcas are attacking-According to this theory, it’s probable that a troubling event happened, possibly involving one or two orcas, causing a change in their behavior. This new behaviour is now being mimicked by other orcas near the Strait of Gibraltar.
NOTE-White Gladis-It is a female orca.
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