Researchers studying killer whales off the coast of South Africa recently observed one of the whales eating a great white shark alone in just two minutes.
Since 2017, two orcas in particular Wreaking havoc on great white sharks Near Mossel Bay, South Africa. These apex predators, known as port and starboard (cute!), have developed an interest in the giant shark’s nutrient-rich liver (not so cute). Memorable video of whale actively feeding The carcass of a great white shark caught in October 2022 confirmed that cetaceans were responsible for the half-eaten carcass of a great white shark found off the coast of South Africa.
Orcas’ preference for great white sharks is well-documented. Whales can weigh up to 22,000 pounds (9,980 kilograms) and are very good at fighting sharks (in comparison) which weigh up to 5,000 pounds. But searchers have never seen a killer whale eating a great white shark before. Previously, these animals have only been observed hunting and eating in groups or groups.The team’s analysis of a recent meal was publish In African Journal of Marine Science.
Alison Towner, a marine biologist at Rhodes University and lead author of the study, said: “As previously in South Africa, orcas have shown an appetite for extracting and eating the lipid-rich livers of white sharks. Strong preference, which is a specialized feeding behavior.” A new study by Taylor and Francis release”, “The sighting revealed evidence of at least one killer whale hunting alone, challenging traditional cooperative hunting practices known in the area. “
The lone hunter (and eater) is starboard, a male orca with a collapsed dorsal fin. Researchers observed the Starboard incapacitating and eating a juvenile great white shark within two minutes. Unfortunately, the shark was 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) long; the team also saw Starboard holding the shark’s liver in its mouth.
Primo Micarelli, a co-author of the study and a researcher at the Center for Shark Research and the University of Siena, said: “I have been visiting South Africa every year for more than two decades and have observed the impact of these killer whales on the local area. Profound Impact on White Shark Populations.” Same version. “Seeing the white shark’s liver pass our ship on the starboard side was truly unforgettable.”
“While I am in awe of these predators, I am increasingly concerned about the balance of coastal marine ecosystems,” Micarelli added.Prior tagging and sighting data in the habitat is recommended Great white sharks no longer visit Certain areas along the coast due to the presence of orcas. In other words, killer whale hunger appears to be affecting the food chain in the ecosystem.
At the end of last year, a Liverless great white shark washes up on Australian coast, suggesting that pods of orcas outside South Africa have learned how to hunt the fearsome fish.Orca also Feeding on blue whales (the largest known animal), Possible kidnapping of other species of whalesand is The culprit responsible for a series of attacks on manned vessels and even managed to sink a yacht off the coast of Gibraltar last year.
Orcas are cunning predators with distinctly vicious characteristics. While they may not evolve to hunt on land anytime soon, their presence could disrupt the hierarchy of South Africa’s coastal ecosystems.
more: Grainy video shows orca kills great white shark