Killer Whales, 2nd edition: The Natural History and Genealogy of Orcinus orca in British Columbiaand Washington State

This new edition of this best-selling book presents updated results ofover twenty-five years of killer whale research in British Columbia andWashington. Intended for both whale enthusiasts and researchers, itcontains the latest information on killer whale natural history andpresents a catalogue of close to 300 photographs of"resident" killer whales as well as a genealogical registrythat enables readers to identify individual killer whales and theirfamily groups. The technique of photographing the dorsal fin and greysaddle patch of whales has revolutionized the study of killer whales,allowing researchers to follow individuals over the course of manyyears.

Table of Contents:
Preface and Acknowledgments Our Changing Relationship with the Killer Whale The Development of Our Study   Natural History of the Killer Whale Distinct Populations: Residents, Transients, and Offshores Different Lifestyles Dialects and Population Identity Population Parameters   Resident Killer Whale Societies Definitions of Social Structure   Watching Killer Whales Land-based Whale Watching Vessel-based Whale Watching Interpreting Whale Activities and Behaviours Does Watching Whales Bother Them?   Catalogue of Resident Killer Whales The Naming System How Whales Are Identified Catalogue Organization Sex and Years of Birth and Death Northern Resident Community Southern Resident Community Catalogue   Conservation Concerns and Future Prospects for KillerWhales Food Supply Environmental Contaminants Vessel Disturbance Population Status and Future Outlook   Bibliography Other Resources Photographic Credits   Sidebars Killer Whales as Nuisances Distinguishing Resident, Transient, and Offshore Killer Whales Distinguishing Males and Females Whale-Watching Tours How to Behave around Killer Whales Orcinus orca: The Killer Dolphin Eavesdropping on Killer Whales Communication and Echolocation Wanted: ID Photos and Observations Changing Features of Fins and Saddles Killer Whales, Ships, and Care-Giving Behaviour Genetic Testing: Shedding New Light on Killer Whale Biology

About the Author :
The authors are active researchers who are widely regarded as theworld's foremost authorities on killer whales. John K.B.Ford is former head of marine mammal research at the VancouverAquarium Marine Science Centre and an adjunct professor in theDepartment of Zoology and the Marine Mammal Research Unit at theUniversity of British Columbia. He is currently marine mammal biologistat the Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, B.C. Graeme M.Ellis is a senior marine mammal technician at the PacificBiological Station, Nanaimo, B.C. Kenneth C. Balcombis director of the Center for Whale Research, Friday Harbor,Washington.

Review :
This beautiful book, full of color and black-and-white photographs, describes the cutting edge of killer whale research, in a highly readable format, by three of the world’s most prominent cetacean researchers. I would not cast off my lines without this book aboard. The book is an excellent description of the social structure, genealogy, and individual characteristics of killer whales that frequent the nearshore marine waters of British Columbia and Washington State ... It belongs in the collections of all marine mammal scientists and those amateur naturalists whose heads are turned by the alluring qualities of killer whales The book Killer Whales appeared in 1994 and was hailed as "an astounding accomplishment." It remains an indispensable guide for whale watchers and researchers, presenting twenty years of killer whale research in BC and Washington ... These books are full of amazing photographs and the dorsal ID shots will help identify the whales you see! Here is the book my students have wanted for a long time. Everything you ever wanted to know about killer whales. Buy several copies in case it goes out of print ... Recommended to anyone who loves whales but to readers from about Grade 8 through adult.