NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
According to a study by the University of British Columbia, southern resident killer whales have not had enough food for several years and may affect their already small numbers.
Researchers have investigated food requirements and availability for killer whales in the southern Northeast Pacific. Studies show that fluctuations in salmon levels from river spawning grounds adversely affect the health of killer whales and threaten small, fragile groups of whales, Bellingham Herald reported.
"It doesn't seem like we can get older (many) harder," said Fanny Couture, principal investigator for the study.
Giant whale calf almost colliding with a free diver in Tahitian: Video
Southern resident killer whaleAbout 75 whales run from the California coastto Haida Gwaii in the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia.
Killer whales need food for fluctuations The level of salmon that was supposed to be. (Prisma Bildagentur / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
They eat chinook salmon, but chinook even if fishing restrictions are attempted The number of is decreasing to increase their number. It leaves animals at the top of the food chain, like killer whales, without proper prey.
A new species of killer whale is discovered and hunts large marine mammals: Report
In this study, salmon{52
Studies have shown low birth rates and high mortality rates due to inadequate food intake of killer whales. Current studies agree and show slightly higher fertility rates in the years when killer whales meet their dietary needs.
