'southern resident killer whale

The Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) is a genetically and culturally distinct population of killer whales that inhabits the coastal waters of the northeastern Pacific, particularly the Salish Sea between Washington State and British Columbia. These whales are highly social animals that live in tight family groups known as pods—specifically J, K, and L pods—each composed of multiple matrilines led by older females. Adults are among the largest marine predators, with males reaching over 5,000 kilograms and lengths of up to 9 meters, while females are somewhat smaller. Unlike many other killer whale populations that eat a variety of marine mammals and fish, Southern Residents specialize almost exclusively on Chinook salmon, making them extremely vulnerable to declines in salmon populations. Once more numerous, their numbers have fallen due to reduced prey availability, chemical contamination, and increasing vessel noise in their habitat. With only about 73 individuals remaining, this population is listed as Endangered, and conservation efforts now focus on restoring salmon runs, reducing vessel disturbance, and improving water quality to support their recovery.