A pair of orcas, also known as killer whales, have been targeting great white sharks off the coast of South Africa since 2017. They mainly eat the livers of the sharks, leaving the rest behind.
Scientists have been studying this behaviour and trying to make sense of it. The orcas’ actions have made the sharks leave certain parts of the coast. The study has shown some surprising finds that could help us understand what it might mean for the wider marine life.
In one case, a male orca known as Starboard, killed a young white shark alone. This is surprising as orcas usually hunt together. In past sightings, the study has seen groups of up to six orcas hunting great whites. These hunts can last up to two hours.
The quick and solitary hunt by Starboard has left scientists with many questions. They believe this could be linked to changes in the ocean environment. Scientists believe understanding these behaviours will help them better understand the whole marine system.
The orcas’ hunting is causing the sharks to move elsewhere, and no one is sure where they are moving to. If the sharks overlap with places where people fish a lot, it could be a problem. The study continues as scientists hope to discover answers to their many questions about the orcas, the sharks and the ocean they both live in.
Vocabulary List:
- orcas (noun): Large toothed whales that are known for their distinctive black and white coloration.
- behaviour (noun): The way in which an animal or person acts in response to a particular situation or stimulus.
- surprising (adjective): Causing wonder or astonishment due to being unexpected.
- environment (noun): The surroundings or conditions in which a personanimalor plant lives or operates.
- marine (adjective): Related to the sea or ocean.
- overlap (verb): To cover part of the same area of interestresponsibilityor concern.
