Meet the greater L4 sub-group
The Greater L4s are the largest sub-group in L-Pod containing +/- 20 whales from several matrilines. They are named after L4 Sonar, who was the matriarch of the largest family group within this sub-pod. When listing the members of the Greater L4 sub-group, we describe them as the L4s, L47s, L72s, and L90.
The overall population trajectory of the Southern Residents has largely been driven by L-Pod over the last several decades, with J- and K-Pods maintaining pretty consistent sizes over that time. As the largest sub-group of L-Pod, the Greater L4s are thus a very key factor in the future growth or decline of the entire population. As you can see from the family tree below, there are a lot of reproductive age females within this sub-group, but unfortunately they are not reproducing on a regular basis. Many of the females have stopped reproducing after having successfully given birth to one son. There are still many reproductive years left for many of these females, but how these years play out will be crucial in determining the future of the Southern Residents.
The overall population trajectory of the Southern Residents has largely been driven by L-Pod over the last several decades, with J- and K-Pods maintaining pretty consistent sizes over that time. As the largest sub-group of L-Pod, the Greater L4s are thus a very key factor in the future growth or decline of the entire population. As you can see from the family tree below, there are a lot of reproductive age females within this sub-group, but unfortunately they are not reproducing on a regular basis. Many of the females have stopped reproducing after having successfully given birth to one son. There are still many reproductive years left for many of these females, but how these years play out will be crucial in determining the future of the Southern Residents.
The most common call types for the Greater L4s
L-Pod has two distinct acoustic groups. The L12 sub-group can be readily identified by their ubiquitous usage of the S2iii (read as "S2 type 3") call, which is also used by the L54s. By contrast, the most common call for the Greater L4s is the S19, a distinct upsweeping vocalization. S18 is another very unique Southern Resident vocalization heard most commonly by L-Pod whales, made up of three chirps followed by a ascending tone.
S19
S18
Most common call from the rest of L-Pod
Days Present in the Salish Sea in 2019-2023
The Greater L4s are the portion of L-Pod that spends the most time in the Salish Sea. While we rarely see them in the winter or spring, they make semi-regularly visits to the central Salish Sea in the summer and to Puget Sound in the fall.
L-Pod Audio Recordings
A few hydrophone clips featuring L-Pod vocalizations. If you enjoy these, you can check out some of other favorite recordings over the years on our Soundcloud.
Other Multimedia Gallery
Greater L4s Video Gallery
A few highlight photos of members of the Greater L4s, past and present.
Greater L4s Video Gallery
A selection of OBI encounter highlight videos featuring members of the Greater L4s.