Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Watching killer whales in the wild in British Columbia and Washington is a popular recreational activity. Nothing quite matches the thrill of witnessing a pod of these immense creatures cutting through the waters of Johnstone Strait or listening to their strident underwater calls to each other in their own dialect.
This new edition of this best-selling book presents updated results of over twenty-five years of killer whale research in British Columbia and Washington. Intended for both whale enthusiasts and researchers, it contains the latest information on killer whale natural history and presents a catalogue of close to 300 photographs of "resident" killer whales as well as a genealogical registry that enables readers to identify individual killer whales and their family groups. The technique of photographing the dorsal fin and grey saddle patch of whales has revolutionized the study of killer whales, allowing researchers to follow individuals over the course of many years.
Also new in this edition is the latest information on the status and future prospects of west coast killer whales -- how they may be affected by declining salmon stocks, high levels of toxic chemicals in their tissue, and increasing vessel traffic and underwater noise. Whale watchers will particularly appreciate revised suggestions and guidelines on how to view whales in the wild without disturbing them.
About the Author
The authors are active researchers who are widely regarded as the world's foremost authorities on killer whales.
John K.B. Ford is former head 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. He is currently marine mammal biologist at the Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, B.C.
Graeme M. Ellis is a senior marine mammal technician at the Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, B.C.
Kenneth C. Balcomb is director of the Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor, Washington.
Killer Whales: The Natural History and Genealogy of Orcinus Orca in British Columbia and Washington State,John K. B. Ford,Graeme M. Ellis,Kenneth C. Balcomb,University of Washington Press,029597396X,Animals / Pets,British Columbia,General,Individual Species Of Mammals,Killer whale,Mammals,Marine Life,Nature/Ecology,Washington (State)
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