Population Size, Structure, and Dynamics
By tracking individual Norwegian killer whales over time, we reveal their population size, movements, social structure, and family relationships to better understand their conservation needs.
Population size, mortality, reproduction rates, and geographic range are key factors in assessing the extinction risk of species and populations. We monitor these parameters for Norwegian killer whales through year-round photo-identification surveys and the application of mark-recapture models to individual sighting histories. Between 1988 and 2019, we estimated that roughly 2,000 killer whales frequent Norwegian coastal waters.
We are currently refining estimates of reproduction rates and calf survival. By combining long-term sightings with detailed individual tracking, we have built a comprehensive dataset on geographic ranges,
seasonal movements, and social associations. This allows us to explore population structure, social groupings, and patterns of relatedness, as well as immigration and emigration in relation to dynamic prey resources.
These insights are essential for evaluating the conservation status of Norwegian killer whales and predicting the population’s future, while deepening our understanding of their social and genetic organization.