Killer whales (orca), long thought to be non-migratory, are long-distance roamers after all, according to the first major study of the species worldwide

The killer whale, which is Earth’s largest dolphin and was long thought to prefer hanging around cozy inshore waters, is actually a globe-trotting marathon swimmer in the ocean's open waters that span the tropics to the poles.

Using an 18-year satellite tracking analysis, researchers have definitively mapped the routes of these apex predators, which until now were thought to be relatively sedentary residents of particular regions.

Scientists found some orca travel over 160,000 kilometers during their lifetimes—the distance from Earth to the moon and back.

Some Reasons Include:

• Food: Killer whales are top predators that feed on a variety of prey including fish, seals, sea lions and other whales. Their movements may be closely tied to the migration and abundance of their prey.

• Reproduction: Killer whales may also migrate to specific areas for breeding and socializing. Some populations of killer whales have been observed to gather in large groups during certain times of the year, possibly for mating and socializing purposes.

• Genetic diversity: Migration can help maintain genetic diversity within killer whale populations. When individuals from different groups interbreed, they bring new genetic material into the population, which can increase its overall fitness and resilience.

• Exploration and habitat use: Killer whales may also migrate simply to explore new areas and find suitable habitats. They have been observed to travel along coastlines, through fjords, and even across open ocean, suggesting that they are capable of long-distance movements and can adapt to different environments.

Understanding the migration patterns of killer whales is essential for their conservation and management. By knowing where and when these animals travel, scientists and conservationists can better protect their habitats and ensure their long-term survival.