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...
Published in: | Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Academia Brasileira de Ciências
2024
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765202420230731 https://doaj.org/article/6beab7a7dab546bc915241c5ce73664a |
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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