Transients

by Ford, John K. B.; Ellis, Graeme M.

• ISBN13: 9780774807173
• ISBN10: 0774807172
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-04-01
• Publisher: Univ of British Columbia Pr

Summary

This book focuses on transient killer whales. Enigmatic and elusive, these mammal-hunting whales are difficult animals to study. They travel in small groups, often moving unpredictably, which makes them less conspicuous than the larger resident pods. For these and other reasons, our understanding of the life history and ecology of transient killer whales has lagged behind that of residents.

Author Biography

John K. B. Ford is Director of Marine Mammal Research at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and an adjunct professor in the Department of Zoology and the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia. Graeme M. Ellis is a marine mammal research technician at the Pacific Biological Station, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Nanaimo, BC.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	p. 6
Natural History of Transient Killer Whales	p. 10
Population Identity, Range, and Size	p. 10
Seasonal and Annual Distribution	p. 12
Feeding Habits	p. 13
Social Structure	p. 18
Vocal Behaviour and Dialects	p. 22
Population Parameters	p. 22
Watching Transient Killer Whales	p. 25
Transient Activities and Behaviours	p. 25
Where to Find Transients	p. 28
Watching Transients without Disturbing Them	p. 30
Catalogue of Transient Killer Whales	p. 41
Determining Community Membership	p. 41
The Naming System	p. 42
Catalogue Composition and Organization	p. 43
Sex and Year of Birth	p. 44
Catalogue	p. 45
Afterword	p. 90
Supplementary Catalogue Information	p. 91
Glossary	p. 94
Bibliography	p. 95
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.