Transients: Mammal-Hunting Killer Whales of British Columbia, Washington, and Southeastern Alaska [Paperback]

Ford John K. B. (Author), Graeme M. Ellis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

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.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John K.B. Ford is former head of marine mammal research at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and an adjunct professor in the Department of Zoology and the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia. He is currently marine mammal biologist at the Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo, B.C. Graeme M. Ellis is a marine mammal technician at the Pacific Biological Station, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Nanaimo, B.C. Both authors, along with Kenneth C. Balcomb, wrote Killer Whales, published in 1995 by UBC Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Univ of British Columbia Pr (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0774807172
• ISBN-13: 978-0774807173
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,948,068 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mammal munching superstars, July 22, 2000

By 

V. Kirkland "Mercuryglass" (Anacortes, WA. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Transients: Mammal-Hunting Killer Whales of British Columbia, Washington, and Southeastern Alaska (Paperback)

This is the definitive source for information on the transient or mammal hunting race of killer whales of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. If you are serious about learning what there is to know about these fascinating superpredators-this is THE book to buy. I am a naturalist on a whale watch boat in the San Juan Islands and we use this book constantly to inform our guests about the "alter egos" of our salmon eating Resident Orcas. Fabulous pictures and incredible stories.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, highly recommended., August 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Transients: Mammal-Hunting Killer Whales of British Columbia, Washington, and Southeastern Alaska (Paperback)

This is the best book available regarding the little-known and mysterious transient orcas. In addition to having a detail catolgue of each transient whale in B.C waters, the book analysis and discuss the distinct behaviour and hunting styles of the transients, which are completely different from the salmon-eating resident killer whales.

Futhermore, there are numerous rare and spectacualr photos showing transients launching into the air and attacking their preys. This shows why Killer Whales are called "killers". For while these whales do not attack or eat man, they are highly efficient predators, no marine mammal is safe from transient whales. Read this book and you will understand why.