This book focuses on transient killer whales. Enigmatic and elusive, these mammal-hunting whales are difficult animals to study. They travel in small groups, often moving unpredictably, which makes them less conspicuous than the larger resident pods. For these and other reasons, our understanding of the life history and ecology of transient killer whales has lagged behind that of residents. Transients contains the latest information on the natural history of transient killer whales, including their feeding habits, social lives, and distribution patterns. The catalogue section contains photographs of and notes on over 200 individual whales. Numerous sidebars contain interesting observations on encounters with transients as well as information on how and where to best watch them.

Dr John K.B. Ford is head of the Cetacean Research Program at the Pacific Biological Station (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) in Nanaimo, and adjunct professor in the Department of Zoology and the Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia. He has studied cetaceans in BC waters since 1977, especially Killer Whales, and has published widely on the subject. His recent focus has been on the conservation status of cetacean species at risk in BC.

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A major contribution has been made to understand the magical world of B.C.'s killer whales with the release of this book ... offers a scholarly yet readable account of their behaviour and habits. The book captures their distinct way of life.

The Province

Beautifully illustrated, this book contains the latest information on the natural history of transient killer whales and how and where to watch them.

University Press Books Selected for Public and Secondary School Libraries (2000)