In Mexico, scientists have noticed something fascinating: orcas are hunting young great white sharks! These orcas are after the sharks’ livers, which are packed with energy. This behavior isn’t new; orca pods in other regions like South Africa and California have been seen doing the same. However, this is the first time it’s been documented in Mexico, as detailed in a recent study from *Frontiers in Marine Science*.
One striking incident occurred in August 2020, where five female orcas worked together to capture a young white shark. They expertly removed its liver and shared it among themselves. Just minutes later, they attacked another shark and successfully did the same. Another event from August 2022 showed mixed groups of orcas repeating this behavior.
The orcas are quite skilled. They often flip sharks onto their backs, a technique that may induce “tonic immobility.” This makes the sharks easier to handle and reduces the risk of injury to the orcas when they hunt. It appears that smaller sharks are particularly vulnerable to this strategy, making them a suitable target.
Erick Higuera, a wildlife cinematographer and marine biologist involved in the study, commented on the consistent hunting patterns. This might mean that young white sharks are becoming a regular meal for orcas. He noted that this could increase pressure on white shark populations.
Alison Towner, a marine biologist from Rhodes University, praised the findings. She emphasized the value of drone footage in understanding orca behavior. Earlier, similar footage changed perceptions of orca-shark interactions in South Africa. Towner explained that this new footage from Mexico allows researchers to compare behaviors across different orca groups and shark populations. However, she pointed out that this hunting technique is not universally practiced among all orca pods; it seems specific to certain groups that have learned it.
The ability to target shark livers is significant. These organs are nutrient-rich and substantial for the orcas’ diets. Once a group of orcas adopts such a technique, it becomes part of their hunting culture, showcasing the intelligence and adaptability of these marine mammals.
According to a recent survey from the Marine Conservation Society, increased sightings of orcas in coastal regions are rising, paralleling the growing concerns about the impacts of their hunting on shark populations. This new understanding could help in preserving both species and maintaining the balance within marine ecosystems.
