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As sea ice melts due to climate change, killer whales are moving into Arctic waters and extending their range.
Canadian scientists have discovered two genetically different populations of killer whales in this region.
However, according to their study, it would have "grave repercussions" for native Arctic whales like bowheads, narwhals, and belugas. As they are a slow-moving species.
The situation is complicated because, while Arctic orcas are worthy of conservation concern, they also have the capacity to disrupt ecosystems as apex predators.
The study found that beluga whales and narwhals are the primary prey of killer whales in the eastern Canadian Arctic, with bowhead whales and seals coming in second and third.
The Arctic is the world's fastest-warming region, according to the study, and it's ice melts, its waters are becoming more accessible to animals that are typically found in the sub-Arctic, like killer whales.
Because killer whales face the risk of shattering their renowned dorsal fins on ice, they were formerly assumed to be uncommon Arctic visits. However, sightings have increased in frequency.
Tissue samples were taken from the orcas, and the researchers were surprised that there are actually two highly distinct populations.
One group is described as “globally genetically distinct” while the other is compared to “Greenland killer whales’’.
The two groups do not recognize one another as possible mates because of their dissimilar feeding habits and vocalizations.
This is also causing concern to the indigenous people in the northern regions as they are worried about killer whales encroaching on and consuming food that is "crucial" to their communities.
This situation in the Arctic highlights how climate change is disrupting ecosystems and posing a threat to the survival of native species and indigenous communities.
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