Scientists Declare Bigg's and Resident Orcas Distinct Species Based on New Evidence

A groundbreaking study reveals genetic, behavioral, and morphological differences between two types of orcas, proposing formal recognition of their distinct species status.

Researchers have identified Bigg's killer whales and resident killer whales as two separate species, diverging around 300,000 years ago.
The discovery is based on comprehensive data, including genetic, morphological, behavioral, and acoustic evidence.
This classification could have significant conservation implications, especially for the endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
The proposed names for the new species are Orcinus rectipinnus for Bigg's orcas and Orcinus ater for resident orcas, following historical nomenclature.
The Society for Marine Mammalogy will vote on the official recognition of these species in the coming months.