Orcas have been reported to have an amazing hunting behavior of attacking juvenile great white sharks. The scientists spotted two hunts, killing three white sharks, during routine monitoring of the orcas. They recorded the hunts in detail, identifying the individual orcas involved from features on their dorsal fins.
Who were the predators?
The orca pod called Moctezuma pod had hunted a group of white sharks. They displayed precise teamwork and coordination during the attacks. Orcas have been previously observed hunting rays and bull sharks. This pod demonstrates advanced predatory strategies which are uncommon in most marine mammals.
What happened during the hunts?
The orcas flipped juvenile great white sharks upside down repeatedly. This provokes tonic immobility, which paralyses sharks so that they become easy prey.
This attack lead towards a follow up with a detailed survey of this orca population's diet. This survey would provide results on if orcas prey on white sharks for their food or they are just attacking them as juveniles when they're available.
Where did the attacks occur?
The hunts took place in Mexico's Gulf of California waters. Juvenile sharks were near coastal nurseries, increasing vulnerability to specialised orca hunting.
The area is known for high marine biodiversity, including elasmobranch species. Such locations may serve as strategic hunting grounds for predator pods.
What were the observations made?
Scientists recorded the events in August 2020 and August 2022. Both hunts involved two juvenile sharks being taken by the pod. Underwater photography and video documentation were used in the capturing of observations. These are dates that indicate that there are seasonal hunting patterns within the pod.
Why is this significant?
This observation reveals a predatory behaviour of killer whales being highly specialised. It highlights orca intelligence and ability to exploit specific prey vulnerabilities.
The behaviour may influence juvenile great white shark populations locally. Environmental changes, such as warming waters, could increase shark exposure to these hunts.
How will research continue?
Researchers plan broader surveys to determine frequency of shark predation. More data is needed to assess pod behaviour across regions. Understanding these interactions informs marine ecology and predator-prey dynamics significantly. Future studies may reveal additional specialised hunting techniques among orca pods.