Source: weekly news
Researchers observing killer whales hunting near Gansbaai in South Africa have recorded 17 dead sharks after just one kill. The pair of perpetrators – who are known to scientists and named “Port” and “Starboard” – are famous for attacking sharks in the area, but this is the largest murder in one sitting. .
write on Marine Dynamics Facebook Page“We observed two killer whales repeatedly diving into a small area for almost two hours before they left the sea,” said marine biologist and guide Ralph Watson. A few days later, Watson and his team from Marine Dynamics Academy retrieved 11 carcasses of broadnose sharks from the same beach, with more dead in the following days.
Leading the study of shark-predator orcas in Gansbaai is Alison Towner, a doctoral candidate at Rhodes University. “Every seven gill shark was ripped open and lost its liver,” said Towner, who, along with Watson, conducted the dissection of the animals. “They are all female with a height of 1.6–2.3 meters [approx. 5–7 feet] and had wounds similar to those killed in False Bay [northwest of Gansbaai] by the same orca pair.”
What’s more, orcas in the area don’t just love to eat the livers of guppies. Since 2017, scientists have recorded eight great white shark carcasses washed up on beaches near Gansbaai. The sharks have orca tooth impressions on their pectoral fins. Seven of the great whites had their livers removed—and some even lost their hearts.
Gansbaai is considered a major Caucasian hotspot and there are plenty of cage diving activities in the area, but Researchers have noted Fewer people have seen sharks since the appearance of bloodthirsty orcas. Looks like Port and Starboard’s killing battle is far from over.
