Orcas in Mexico Strategically Hunt and Consume Great White Sharks

A recent study has revealed remarkable hunting behavior among orcas in the Gulf of California, Mexico, where they have been observed preying on young great white sharks. The research, which includes aerial footage captured by independent marine biologist Erick Higuera, shows a pod of orcas using strategic techniques to incapacitate their prey before consuming its nutrient-rich liver.

In the first documented incident from August 2020, Higuera recorded five female orcas collaborating to turn a juvenile great white shark upside down. This action induces a state known as tonic immobility, effectively paralyzing the shark and making it vulnerable. Higuera explained, “This temporary state renders the shark defenseless, allowing the orcas to extract its nutrient-rich liver and likely consume other organs as well.”

The footage shows the orcas successfully taking the liver from the shark and quickly repeating this behavior with a second juvenile shark. Another hunt was documented in August 2022, where the orcas once again pushed a juvenile shark onto its back to the surface and proceeded to eat its liver.

Advanced Hunting Techniques and Social Learning

This hunting behavior sheds light on the advanced intelligence and social learning capabilities of orcas. Higuera noted that these techniques are likely passed down through generations within their pods. The study indicates that some orcas involved in these incidents have been previously observed hunting other species, such as whale sharks and bull sharks.

According to Dr. Salvador Jorgensen from California State University, this series of hunts marks the first time researchers have observed orcas consistently targeting juvenile great white sharks. He commented, “Adult white sharks react quickly to hunting orcas, completely evacuating their seasonal gathering areas and not returning for months. But these juvenile white sharks may be naive to orcas.”

The research raises questions about whether the flight response of white sharks to predators is instinctual or learned, particularly in younger sharks that may not have encountered orcas before.

Implications for Conservation and Management

The findings prompt researchers to consider the broader implications of orca predation on shark populations and marine ecosystems. Dr. Francesca Pancaldi from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional emphasized the importance of understanding orca feeding behavior in the region. “Generating information about the extraordinary feeding behavior of killer whales in this region will lead us to understand where their main critical habitats are,” she stated. This understanding could inform the creation of protected areas and management plans aimed at mitigating human impact on these marine environments.

The significance of this research extends beyond the Gulf of California. In a separate incident in 2022, a pod of orcas was observed hunting sharks off the coast of South Africa, indicating a possible pattern of predation among orca populations worldwide. These behaviors highlight the complex interactions between apex predators and their prey, contributing to our understanding of marine ecosystems.

As researchers continue to study orca hunting techniques, the need for effective marine conservation efforts becomes increasingly clear. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for protecting both orcas and their prey in a changing ocean environment.