Order: Cetacea

Family: Delphinidae

Size: Length- male 17 to 29.5 ft (5.2-9 m); female 15 to 25.5 ft (4.5-7.7 m)

Weight: 2.5 to 9 tonnes

Key Features: the largest of the dolphin family, the Killer Whale is robust but streamlined. Head is round with no beak; dorsal fin is very tall and conspicuous, sickle-like in females and immature males, but triangular and up to 1.8 m tall in large males. Flippers are very large and paddle-like. Colour pattern consists of clearly defined areas of shiny black above with a light grey patch behind the dorsal fin; the chin, throat, belly and undersides of the tail flukes are white. White patch on each flank connected to the white belly; white oval patch just above and behind each eye. 10 to 12 pairs of large conical teeth in each jaw.

Voice: Varied including complex, often pulsed, calls.

Breeding: Single calf born about every 8 yrs after gestation period of 17 months. Weaned at 14 to 18 months; sexually mature at 12 to 16 yrs. Males may live 35 to 60 yrs, females up to 90 yrs in the wild

Diet: Small fish and squid to seals, turtles, seabirds, and even other whales.

Habitat: Killer whales may be found in coastal as well as in deeper waters.

Habits: Considering their size, appearance and reputation for ferocity Killer whales are a glamorous species. Films and television programs have kept alive public interest in them where they are seen performing tricks in oceanaria. Extended family groups of Killer whales live together and cooperate in hunting.

Conservation Status: This is on lower risk conservation dependent and also listed as ‘data deficient ‘on IUCN red list.

Distribution in Gujarat: Even though they rarely visit shallow water, one Killer Whale was stranded at Armada near Okha coast in Gujarat way back in 1943. They are even reported from coastal region of neighbouring Pakistan. It is also listed in the ZSI’s marine mammal list.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

• Sathasivam, K. (2004). Marine Mammals of India. Universities Press (India) private limited. Hyderabad. Pp: 40

• “Goa- a Scientific approach to conserving its marine mammal diversity: by Sutaria, D.” Southern Birdwing. http://www.southernbirdwing.com/goa_wildlife/indo_pacific_humpback_dolphin.htm

• Marine Mammals Facts Courtesy: Animal Fact Files- Mammals. The Brown Reference Group Plc.