Dr. Jennifer Tennessen co-authored a paper published in Endangered Species Research on how Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) forage depending on the time of day. The researchers found no difference between day and night in how often they searched for food, but that the SRKWs used echolocation at shallower depths at night, matching the movement of their prey. Interestingly, females were less likely than males to chase prey or attempt to catch it, and they were least likely to make capture attempts at night. This suggests they may have a harder time foraging successfully at night, even when there is less disturbance from vessels.
Authors: Marla M. Holt, Jennifer B. Tennessen, M. Bradley Hanson, Candice K. Emmons, Deborah A. Giles, Jeffrey T. Hogan, Arial M. Brewer, Sheila J. Thornton
Journal: Endangered Species Research
DOI: 10.3354/esr01517
Photo credit: Courtesy of Dr. Brandon Southall, NMFS/OPR
