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Sometimes
called the wolves of the sea, these spectacular mammals – the largest dolphin
species – are up against some big threats to their survival.
One
of the best-loved and best-known orca (or ‘killer whale’) groups, the Southern
Resident population, inhabits waters off the Oregon, Washington and British
Columbia coast.
And they’re the most endangered killer
whales on earth.
The
Southern Resident wild orca population has suffered steady declines and is down
to fewer than 80 animals. The immediate problem is lack of food. The Chinook
salmon on which they depend for food are themselves endangered. But toxic
pollution and a changing climate are also taking their toll.
When
orcas don’t get enough salmon to eat, they become weak and vulnerable to a host
of other threats, from toxins to noise to harassment to birth complications.
With birth rates low and calf mortality high we must act now to break this
cycle. And salmon are the key.
Defenders
is working closely with local and national environmental groups and scientists
to develop a comprehensive strategy to address all of threats to this endangered
population of orcas and implement tactics to recover them.
When
you support Defenders, you’re part of a team that includes the nation’s best
wildlife lawyers, biologists, and advocates united to keep wildlife and wild
places thriving.