Reisinger, Ryan RudolfDe Bruyn, P.J. NicoTosh, Cheryl A.Oosthuizen, Wessel ChristiaanMufanadzo, N. ThomasBester, Marthan Nieuwoudt2012-01-312012-01-312011Reisinger, RR, De Bruyn, PJN, Tosh, CA, Oosthuizen, WC, Mufanadzo, NT & Bester, MN 2011, 'Prey and seasonal abundance of killer whales at sub-Antartic Marion Island', African journal of Marine Science, vol. 33, no. 1, pp.99-105.1814-232X (print)1814-2338 (online)10.2989/1814232X.2011.572356http://hdl.handle.net/2263/17938The diet of killer whales Orcinus orca was investigated from 48 predation events observed during 823 sightings at sub-Antarctic Marion Island between 2006 and 2009. From these events, there were 10 cases where prey could be identified. Killer whales fed on fur seals Arctocephalus tropicalis, elephant seals Mirounga leonina and penguins. Constant effort (dedicated) observations (259 hours, 2008–2009) showed that the peak in killer whale abundance was between September and December with a secondary peak between April and May, which coincided with peaks in the abundance of seals and penguins.en© Taylor & Francis. This is an electronic version of an article published in African Journal of Marine Science, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 99-105, 2011. African Journal of Marine Science is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tams20. This article is embargoed by the publisher until June 2012.Orcinus orcaSeasonal occurrenceKiller whale -- Food -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion IslandPredation (Biology) -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion IslandSeals (Animals) -- Predators of -- Prince Edward Islands -- Marion IslandPostprint Article