Stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in killer whales (Orcinus orca) stranded on the coast of Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

We analyzed δ13C, δ15N and δ18O in the muscle and liver from killer whales stranded on the coast of Japan. The δ15N values in the muscle samples from calves were apparently higher than those in their lactating mothers, suggesting that nursing may result in the higher δ15N values in the muscle samples of calves. The δ15N value in the muscle samples of male and female whales, except for the calves, were positively correlated with the δ13C values and body length, suggesting that the increases in δ15N were due to the growth of the whales and increase in their trophic level. In contrast, the δ18O values in the muscle samples of female whales except for the calves were negatively correlated with the δ13C and δ15N values. The δ18O may be lower in whales occupying higher trophic positions (δ15N), although it might also be affected by geographic and climatic conditions.