Baby ‘bumps’ from above: Researchers have found a non-invasive way to detect early pregnancy in killer whales

Researchers at Ocean Wise have developed a new drone-based method to detect early pregnancy in killer whales. This technique allows them to identify pregnancy stages without invasive procedures, which can help protect vulnerable populations like the Southern Resident killer whales. By analyzing the shape of female whales, researchers can now distinguish between non-pregnant and early-stage pregnant individuals. This early detection enables conservation efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and calf survival rates during critical periods of gestation.