Data from: Evaluating anthropogenic threats to endangered killer whales to inform effective recovery plans ...

• Main Authors: Lacy, Robert C., Williams, Rob, Ashe, Erin, Balcomb III, Kenneth C., Brent, Lauren J. N., Clark, Christopher W., Croft, Darren P., Giles, Deborah A., MacDuffee, Misty, Paquet, Paul C.
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Dryad 2018
• Subjects: Risk assessment; Anthropocene; population viability analysis; Vortex; Orcinus orca; Pacific; Killer Whale; Orca; Killer whale
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.46vq7; https://datadryad.org/stash/dataset/doi:10.5061/dryad.46vq7

Understanding cumulative effects of multiple threats is key to guiding effective management to conserve endangered species. The critically endangered, Southern Resident killer whale population of the northeastern Pacific Ocean provides a data-rich case to explore anthropogenic threats on population viability. Primary threats include: limitation of preferred prey, Chinook salmon; anthropogenic noise and disturbance, which reduce foraging efficiency; and high levels of stored contaminants, including PCBs. We constructed a population viability analysis to explore possible demographic trajectories and the relative importance of anthropogenic stressors. The population is fragile, with no growth projected under current conditions, and decline expected if new or increased threats are imposed. Improvements in fecundity and calf survival are needed to reach a conservation objective of 2.3% annual population growth. Prey limitation is the most important factor affecting population growth. However, to meet recovery ... : Vortex PVA input files for threat assessment of Southern Resident Killer WhalesInput files used in modeling threats and management options for the Southern Resident Killer Whale population – for “Evaluating anthropogenic threats to endangered killer whales to inform effective recovery plans” by Lacy et al. Used with Vortex PVA software, version 10.2.9. (Available at www.vortex10.org/Vortex10.aspx)SRKW.zip ...