A recent study published in *Endangered Species Research* highlights the precarious state of Hawai'i's insular false killer whales, which are facing severe nutritional stress exacerbated by climate change. With fewer than 140 individuals remaining, the research, conducted by the Pacific Whale Foundation and other partners, tracked 68 whales from 2019 to 2025 using drone photogrammetry. The findings revealed alarming weight losses, with one whale shedding nearly 28% of its body mass in just ten weeks. The population's overall health declined significantly during a severe marine heat wave in 2020, which correlated with the largest drop in numbers recorded. The study indicates that competition for high-energy prey, such as yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi, may be contributing to chronic nutritional stress among these whales. The research underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to address the energetic requirements of this endangered population, as their decline impacts both ecological balance and cultural heritage in Hawai'i. Future studies will build on this data to monitor health trends and inform policy decisions critical for the whales' survival.