Inbreeding Threatens Endangered Orcas.

The Pacific Northwest's endangered killer whales, known as the "southern resident" killer whales, are dying younger and their population is not recovering due to inbreeding, according to a study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. The whales are so inbred that female killer whales may not be living long enough to ensure the growth of their population. The southern resident population comprises three clans of whales known as the J, K and L pods. The population is not necessarily doomed, but conservation efforts are urgently needed to support the environment and give them the best chance possible.