Killer whale predation on an Antarctic minke whale in the northern Antarctic Peninsula
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Date
Authors
Seyboth, Elisa
Bassoi, Manuela
De Lima, Renan C.
Do Prado, Jonatas Henrique F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academia Brasileira de Ciências
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.
Description
ADDITIONAL FILE :
A video with the recording of the predation event
described is made available at https://mega.nz/
folder/VjMhka6I#7KJGqj2xcguvIIbVQIXwdA.
Keywords
Killer whale (Orcinus orca), Balaenoptera bonaerensis, Orcinus orca, Predator, Southern Ocean, Type A killer whale diet, Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis), SDG-14: Life below water
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-14:Life below water
Citation
Seyboth, E., Bassoi, M., De Lima, R.C. & Do Prado, J.H.F. 2024, 'Killer whale predation on an Antarctic minke whale in the northern Antarctic Peninsula', Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias, vol. 96, art. e20230731, pp. 1-5, doi : 10.1590/0001-3765202420230731.