Although they are more densely concentrated in colder regions where their large prey species are more abundant, they appear to roam temperate and tropical areas as well, taking advantage of temporary or seasonal feeding opportunities 1,2. Killer whales are found all over the world. While in many parts of their range they are highly mobile and their locations are difficult to predict, there are a few places where they are either resident or predictably present in certain seasons, and are one of the main attractions of whale-watching tours. Two unnamed subspecies are recognized off the West Coast of North America вЂ“ mammal-eating вЂtransientвЂ™ and fish-eating вЂresidentвЂ™ killer whales. Although still considered a single species, there are at least eight different recognised formsвЂ“ differing in external colouring and appearance, feeding habits and ecology. Killer whales are highly distinctive and easily recognisable. It is the most widely distributed of all whale and dolphin species and can be found in every ocean basin and several semi-enclosed bodies of water like the Arabian Gulf and parts of the Mediterranean. Technically, it is the largest dolphin species, but is called a whale because of its large size. The species has recently made even more famous by films like вЂњBlackfishвЂќ and вЂњFree WillyвЂќ. Killer whales, also known as orcas, are an iconic species, long revered by various aboriginal cultures and frequently the stars of animal performances at marine parks.

Killer whale predators