In a groundbreaking development off the coast of South Africa, scientists witnessed a lone killer whale named Starboard killing an 8-foot great white shark, further establishing the orca’s reputation as the ocean’s top predator. This rare event was captured on film by researchers and tourists in Mossel Bay, where the whale hunted and eventually eviscerated the shark. This unique incident challenges conventional hunting behaviors as killer whales typically hunt in groups, but this orca acted alone. The study, published in the African Journal of Marine Science, was led by Dr. Alison Towner, a shark researcher at Rhodes University, who has been studying interactions between killer whales and sharks in the region. This behavior of killer whales targeting sharks is not typically seen, as they prey primarily on seals. The recent incidents raise concerns about the impact of killer whale predation on shark populations in South Africa and the potential disruption to the marine ecosystem. While more research is needed to fully understand the implications of these interactions, experts are worried that the presence of killer whales could drive sharks out of the region, similar to what has happened in other areas. This rare sighting highlights the exceptional proficiency of killer whales and underscores the need for further investigation into their behavior and impact on the ecosystem.
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