Off the coast of South Africa, researchers have observed for the first time how a single killer whale killed a great white shark in just two minutes. This shows that orcas don’t have to hunt in packs to take down one of the world’s largest predators.
Marine biologist Alison Towner from Rhodes University in South Africa spoke of “groundbreaking insights” into the hunting behavior of orcas. Killer whales, also called orcas, usually hunt in groups for great white sharks and other large prey. This includes sea lions, seals, other shark species and sometimes even whales. Orcas can hunt most of this prey themselves, but this has never before been observed in a great white shark. The fatty liver of great white sharks is a delicacy for killer whales.
Announcements earlier
There are already indications that this is possible. In June 2023, scientists observed for the first time how a killer whale hunted an eight-foot-long juvenile great white shark off the coast of the small town of Mossel Bay (South Africa). Later he swam past a boat with the liver in his mouth. “This sighting provided evidence of solo hunting by at least one killer whale, which challenges the conventional cooperative hunting behavior known in the region,” said study leader Towner.
In 2022, she and a team discovered that a pair of killer whales were systematically killing white sharks in the coastal area of the city of Gansbaai. The results of the five-year study suggest that the attacks have led to a rapid and sustained movement of great white sharks. Since then, significantly fewer of them have been spotted in the region.
More calf fur seals
This has consequences for the marine ecosystem. For example, more Cape fur seals are now being spotted, which in turn hunt African penguins, which are threatened with extinction.
Source: Krone
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
