Killer Whale

Overview

Species Common Name Killer Whale
Species Scientific Name Orcinus orca
Federal Listing Status Endangered
State Listing Status Endangered
SMU/ESU/DPS/Subspecies Southern Resident DPS

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

This acoustically-oriented species is highly sensitive to noise disturbance.

Limiting factors

Small population size and low productivity make killer whales vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts.

Data gaps

Monitor seasonal use of Oregon coastal waters.

Conservation actions

Observe federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act protections. Fill data gaps for species' use of Oregon waters.

Key reference or plan

Recovery Plan for Southern Resident Killer Whales
Critical Habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale Distinct Population Segment
Biological Assessment of Southern Resident Orcas (Orcinus orca) in Oregon and Evaluation of Criteria to Classify the Species as Endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act
Marine Mammal Protection Act

Life History Traits