Later that day as the vessel headed from
Dunvegan Castle to Loch Harport, passing the most westerly point on Skye, the
Orcas were seen again. Tony believes it was the same pod - the Orca with the
notch in the back of its dorsal fin is in both lots of photos.
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are
actually the largest members of the dolphin family. Excellent information is provided on the Scottish Orcas on the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT)
website which we have borrowed from to provide this post.
There is only a
small population in the Hebrides, which ranges over quite large distances, and
is constantly on the move therefore sightings and encounters are rare. Groups
of up to 8 animals have been recorded off the west coast of Scotland; different
combinations of Orcas known to Hebridean HWDT have been seen together over many
years; group composition appears to be fluid and can change between years. Adult animals can be individually identified
by the size, shape and distinctive nicks and markings of their dorsal fins, and
the HWDT photo-identification catalogue recognises about 10 individuals.
However, HWDT think it is likely that there are Orcas in the area of the
Hebrides that have not been photographically identified. Orcas can swim at
speeds of 35 mph, which enable them to travel vast distances quickly. One of
the most distinctive male animals, named ‘John Coe’, has been identified
regularly since 1992 throughout the Hebrides as well as off the coast of
Ireland, England and Wales.
HWDT has been
studying the group for two decades and sadly, in that time there have been no
calves recorded. It is likely that the females in the group are
post-reproductive and due to their social isolation they are unlikely to
recruit any killer whales from other populations. This means that the
conservation status of this group is critical. Orcas are very intelligent and can be inquisitive and approachable. They rarely bow-ride like the other species of dolphins seen regularly on our cruises. Globally they feed on fish, shark, octopus and squid, as well as birds, seals and other cetaceans. It is unclear what Orcas in the Hebrides feed on, although HWDT has one confirmed report of an animal killing a harbour porpoise. There have been no recorded incidents of aggression towards humans in the wild.
Distinctive features of Orcas
Adult orcas measure 5.5 to 9.5 metres in
length and can live for up to 90 years; females are generally smaller and
longer-lived than males. The robust body is mainly jet black, with a
bright white lower jaw, side patch and eye patch. The belly is also white,
as is the underside of the tail. There is a grey patch behind the dorsal
fin, known as the ‘saddle-patch’. The adult males’ dorsal fin is the
largest of all cetaceans at up to 1.8 metres and is an important identification
feature. Females and young animals have a smaller falcate (curved) dorsal
fin. Pectoral (side) fins in all animals are paddle-shaped.
No comments:
Post a Comment