Killer whale predation on an Antarctic minke whale in the northern Antarctic Peninsula

Abstract We describe the seldom observed event of a group of type A killer whale (Orcinus orca) predating on an Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in austral summer 2019. A pod of 11-13 individuals was observed – and documented by photographs and video – as they killed and fed on the m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências
Main Authors: ELISA SEYBOTH, MANUELA BASSOI, RENAN C. DE LIMA, JONATAS HENRIQUE F. DO PRADO
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2024
Subjects:
Balaenoptera bonaerensis
Orcinus orca
Predator
Southern Ocean
Type A killer whale diet
Science
Q
Antarc*
Antarctic
Antarctic Minke whale
Antarctic Peninsula
Bransfield Strait
Killer Whale
minke whale
Orca
Killer whale
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202420230731
https://doaj.org/article/6beab7a7dab546bc915241c5ce73664a
Description
Summary:Abstract We describe the seldom observed event of a group of type A killer whale (Orcinus orca) predating on an Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) in austral summer 2019. A pod of 11-13 individuals was observed – and documented by photographs and video – as they killed and fed on the minke whale in the Bransfield Strait, northern Antarctic Peninsula. The pod was being observed for about one hour, when some killer whale’s individuals were noticed to be performing hunting behaviour. This lasted about 10 minutes, at the end of which the minke whale was killed. Three different species of seabirds were observed feeding on the minke carcass. A video of the encounter is provided.

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