Killer Whale illustration © Bruce Pearson

Killer Whale Orcinius orca

The Killer Whale, or Orca, is an impressive predator at 9.5 metres long, and weighing in at 8 tonnes. Killer whales feed on a wide variety of prey, and occur all over the world.

Orcas are intelligent and are able to adapt and communicate information to each other. One dramatic example of this are the whales that beach themselves in order to catch seals (see photo below).

Orca beaching to catch a seal.

The Killer Whale is classified as Conservation Dependent by IUCN. (See IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for more information on the classification of the Killer Whale).

Help Protect Patagonia's Coastal Wildlife

Orcas regularly visit the Patagonian coast to hunt seals. The World Land Trust started a project in 1999 to help save the Patagonian steppe, and preserve this coastline for the Orca.

Help protect the Wildlife of Patagonia by supporting the Patagonia Restoration Fund.

More Information on the Coastal Steppe Project

• Read more about the wildlife that occurs on the Patagonian coast on the Coastal Steppe Project page.
• Find more information on the Killer Whale on ARKive: Images of life on Earth