Weak social ties a killer for male whales

Date:  October 24, 2017

Source:  University of Exeter

Male killer whales are more likely to die if they are not at the centre of their social group, new research suggests.

Scientists from the universities of Exeter and York (UK) and the Center for Whale Research (USA) found the most socially isolated males were three times more likely to die in any given year than those in the "most central social positions."

The effect was much stronger in years where food was scarce, and it did not affect females -- possibly because males are larger and need more support from the group to get enough food.

The findings come from research on Southern Resident killer whales, a critically endangered population in the Pacific Ocean that -- following a recent death -- numbers just 76.

"This research highlights the importance of social bonds to male killer whales, and shows that males that are less socially connected are more likely to die when times are hard," said lead author Dr Samuel Ellis, of the University of Exeter.

"Killer whales are highly cooperative, and males at the centre of a social group are likely to have better access to social information and food-sharing opportunities."

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