Researchers: Inbreeding a big problem for endangered orcas

Inbreeding is hampering population growth for orcas, study finds

A new study out of Washington state has found that inbreeding depression, which is the reduced survival and fertility of offspring that are a product of inbreeding, is preventing the southern resident killer whale population from growing.

The big problem for endangered orcas? Inbreeding, researchers say

New research suggests that inbreeding may be a key reason that the Pacific Northwest’s endangered population of killer whales has failed to recover despite decades of conservation efforts.

The big problem for endangered orcas? Inbreeding, researchers say

New research suggests that inbreeding may be a key reason that the Pacific Northwest’s endangered population of killer whales has failed to recover despite decades of conservation efforts.

The big problem for endangered orcas? Inbreeding, researchers say

New research suggests that inbreeding may be a key reason that the Pacific Northwest’s endangered population of killer whales has failed to recover despite decades of conservation efforts.

The big problem for endangered orcas? Inbreeding, researchers say

New research suggests that inbreeding may be a key reason that the Pacific Northwest’s endangered population of killer whales has failed to recover despite decades of conservation efforts.

The big problem for endangered orcas? Inbreeding, researchers say

New research suggests that inbreeding may be a key reason that the Pacific Northwest’s endangered population of killer whales has failed to recover despite decades of conservation efforts.