It’s something that has long been suspected by researchers but recent genetic research suggests the existence of more than one species of orca.
Research studies over the last 30 years have demonstrated marked differences amongst orcas relating to their behaviour, morphology and prey preferences. By using a new genetic technique called highly parallel sequencing, scientists analysed a worldwide sample of 139 orcas and have now clearly demonstrated significant differences between groups affording certain types species status.
As a result of the study, two types of orca found in Antarctica that eat fish and seals, respectively, are suggested as separate species, along with the marine mammal eating ‘transient’ orcas of the North Pacific. Other types of orca may also be separate species or subspecies, but it will take additional analysis to be sure, the researchers said.
Rob Lott, WDCS’s Policy Manager comments:
“This breakthrough raises some important conservation management questions for orcas as it appears we are no longer looking at one single cosmopolitan species but several species of smaller populations found in a variety of geographical locations all with different ecological needs”.
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