Prior to these attacks by the killer whales, there were only two instances since 2007 where the sharks disappeared for more than a week.
“The research is particularly important, as by determining how large marine predators respond to risk, we can understand the dynamics of coexistence with other predator communities and these dynamics may also dictate the interactions between competitors or intra-guild predator/prey relationship.” The more the Orcas frequent these sites, the longer the Great White Sharks stay away,” says lead author Alison Towner, a senior white shark biologist at the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, in a media release. What we seem to be witnessing though is a large-scale avoidance (rather than a fine-scale) strategy, mirroring what we see used by wild dogs in the Serengeti in Tanzania, in response to increased lion presence. “Initially, following an Orca attack in Gansbaai, individual Great White Sharks did not appear for weeks or months. Now, this ferocious pair of killer whales are completely changing the local landscape, with sharks no longer around to be the dominant predators in the water. Until recently, Gansbaai has been a world-famous spot for tourists looking to see a great white shark. Visual sightings of sharks in certain Western Cape bays have also dropped off dramatically. Image by Hennie Otto) This is my house now!ĭuring this five-and-a-half-year study, researchers tracked 14 sharks fleeing the area near South Africa when orcas arrive. (©Marine Dynamics/ Dyer Island Conservation Trust. Lead author Alison Towner with the carcass of a Great White Shark, washed up on shore following an Orca attack. Simply put, the word goes out to all sharks that it’s time to leave. This also triggers a swift and long-term exodus from particular areas of the ocean. The revelation that sharks are abandoning one of their popular hunting grounds provides more evidence that sharks use the “flight” sense of fear when underwater predators are nearby. While some whale species strictly feed on small shrimp (krill), orcas are more than capable of attacking large predators like sharks. Moreover, the team believes their body count is even higher, but those sharks haven’t washed up on land. Study authors say the wounds are clearly the work of the same pair of killer whales now living in the area. Some of these predators had their hearts eaten as well. Seven of the sharks had their livers ripped out.
Since 2017, eight great white sharks have washed up on shore after a deadly orca attack. The killer whales are gutting local sharks! Researchers say the obvious reason is they’re scared of becoming prey for the orca. According to a new study, the duo has been terrorizing and killing great white sharks off the coast of South Africa - sending the fierce species fleeing for their lives!ĭespite great white sharks being the dominant species off the Gansbaai coast for years, new tracking data and shark sightings reveal that these famous predators are now avoiding the area completely. GANSBAAI, South Africa - A pair of orcas (or killer whales) may be the new Bonnie and Clyde of the sea.