Pair of orcas targeting great white sharks off South Africa's coast

[marmar]

(CNN) A pair of orcas drove great white sharks away from a stretch of South African coast after killing five sharks over just a few months in 2017, according to a new study.

Great whites used to dominate areas of the Gansbaai coast, around 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Cape Town, but have been avoiding them in recent years, according to a paper published in the African Journal of Marine Science on Wednesday.

The Gansbaai coast was once a popular spot for great white shark spotting, but sightings have decreased markedly in recent years. The study used long-term sightings and tagging data to demonstrate that great whites have been driven away by the orcas, sometimes known as killer whales.

Researchers also analyzed five great white shark carcasses been found washed up on the shore, four with their nutrient-rich livers removed and one with its heart taken out as well. They all had wounds made by the same pair of orcas, which have likely killed more great whites, say researchers. ................(more)

https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/30/africa/orcas-great-whites-south-africa-scli-intl-scn/index.html

[milestogo]

1. They're hungry for protein.

[exboyfil]

2. Just the tasty bits

Pretty much like humans.