Evidence of an Island-Associated Population of False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Research reveals the existence of a second island-associated population of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, primarily within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. This discovery challenges previous assumptions that only one such population existed around the main Hawaiian Islands. The study used photo-identification and satellite tagging to track whale movements over 52 days, documenting their range from French Frigate Shoals to Middle Bank, including both shallow nearshore and deep offshore waters. Three encounters in 2010 matched individuals previously documented near Kaua'i in 2008, confirming overlap with the main Hawaiian Islands insular population's range.

Baird, R. W., Oleson, E. M., Barlow, J., Ligon, A. D., Gorgone, A. M., & Mahaffy, S. D. (2013). Evidence of an Island-Associated Population of False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Pacific Science, 67(4), 513–521. https://doi.org/10.2984/67.4.2