There's a new apex predator in town that's threatening great white sharks' recently dwindling numbers. (via PopSci)
Great white sharks are the epitome of an apex predator. In the ocean, these toothy creatures easily hold one of the top spots on the food chain . But recent drone and helicopter footage of an aquatic attack reveals that another marine mammal seems to have an upper hand.
For the first time, biologists filmed direct evidence of killer whales attacking and killing white sharks in South Africa. The first video was captured by drone in May 2022 in the Mossel Bay region, revealing three orcas cornering and fatally biting a three meter-length white shark. The shark’s body was not seen or recovered after the bloody battle.
, lead study author and senior shark scientist at Marine Dynamic Academy in Gansbaai, South Africa, toldin an email. “We had been analyzing evidence on these interactions since 2017 and had often been challenged on whether this really was occurring in South Africa. I guess the footage put those questions to bed as it is irrefutable evidence that orcas are hunting white sharks here.”Orcas are like “wolves of the ocean,” says Towner—they commonly capture prey in organized pods.
“I was in awe of how the orcas strategize and hunt but one cannot help but feel for the sharks, too,” Towner says. “It’s quite haunting seeing white sharks being circled and killed by larger predators.” Particularly, the orcas seem to have a taste for liver. The video shows them chomping on the sharks’ abdomen and tearing out their liver, which could be seen floating to the surface where the killer whale gobbles it up. White sharks’ livers are oily and nutrient-rich, making an ideal meal, Towner explains. The footage gives an explanation for previous shark carcasses washed ashore that were missing livers, the team wrote in the study.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Maine South maintains grip over CSL South in tough win at Glenbrook SouthDellumo and Maine South counter a quick 9-0 deficit to beat Glenbrook South 23-16 in a key CSL South football game
Read more »
In a first, detailed video captures orcas hunting great white sharks in South AfricaFor the first time, video of a group of orcas killing a great white shark off the coast of South Africa may explain why sharks are disappearing there.
Read more »
Anglo American & EDF Renewables Agree To Renewable Energy Partnership In South AfricaAnglo American, a global mining company, and EDF Renewables have announced their agreement to form a new jointly owned company, Envusa Energy, to develop a regional renewable energy ecosystem (RREE) in South Africa. EDF Renewables
Read more »
Watch: Video shows 1st detailed evidence of killer whales hunting sharks in South Africa“Killer whales are highly intelligent and social animals. Their group hunting methods make them incredibly effective predators,” researchers said.
Read more »
Thebe Magugu Unveils Collection Looks Ahead of London ShowThebe Magugu's 'Discard Theory' was inspired by visits to the secondhand markets of South Africa. See the full collection here.
Read more »
Watch what can happen when killer whales tangle with great white sharksRare aerial footage captured the aquatic attack for the very first time in South Africa, where great white sharks are rapidly declining.
Read more »