The seasonal occurrence and behaviour of Killer whales Orcinus orca, at Marion Island

• Published in: Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Condy, P. R., Aarde, R. J. Van, Bester, M. N.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1978
• Subjects: Indian; Elephant Seals; Marion Island; Orca; Orcinus orca; Southern Elephant Seals
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1978.tb03301.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1469-7998.1978.tb03301.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1978.tb03301.x; https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1978.tb03301.x

The paper describes the occurrence of Killer whales at Marion Island (Prince Edward group) in the south Indian Ocean from August 1973 to November 1976. They occur seasonally, being most numerous from October to December. Their occurrence is synchronized with the seasonal haul out of Southern elephant seals, but the seasonality of King, Rockhopper and Macaroni penguins is also likely to influence their occurrence. The largest herds occur in October, the month during which mean group size is also largest. Sex and age composition are given, adult males being significantly more numerous than adult females, while 36–3 % of the latter had calves. Hunting activity appears to be greatest between 15.00 and 17.00 hrs, and most Killer whales were seen within 100 m of the shore. Aspects of hunting, attacking, feeding and resting behaviour are discussed. The body measurements of a young male found on a beach are given.