Australian researchers report the first documented killing of an adult blue whale by orcas
||| FROM COSMOS MAGAZINE |||
Researchers have discovered the first-ever record of killer whales hunting and killing the largest animal on earth – an adult blue whale.
In late March 2019, annual whale and dolphin research surveys led by WA’s Cetacean Research Centre (CETREC WA), along with Project ORCA, stumbled across the first-ever documented attack and eventual killing of a healthy adult blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) by killer whales (Orcinus orca).
Reported in a paper just published in Marine Mammal Science, there were also two subsequent attacks on a blue whale calf and juvenile two weeks later and in 2021, respectively.
Killer whales are known to prey on a large variety of species – including whales – but had previously only been known to kill and feed on large whale calves, such as grey and humpback whales. They have previously been documented attacking and harassing blue whales, but these three events are the first confirmed kills.
“When we arrived about 14 killer whales were attacking the blue in 70m waters, with the female killer whales leading the attack,” says co-author Isabella Reeves, a Flinders University PhD candidate.
“At arrival we already noticed a substantial flesh wound on the top of its head with bone exposed. The dorsal fin was missing, no doubt bitten off by the killer whales. Tooth-rake marks were evident in front and behind where the dorsal once was and even all the way to the whale’s tail.”
“Soon after, there was large chunks of skin and blubber stripped off the sides of the whale, the blue was bleeding profusely and was weakening, evident by its slow speed,” says lead author and CETREC lead researcher, John Totterdell. “Coordinated attack by several killer whales resulted in some females ramming the side of the whale while others attacked the head.
“Close to the end, a female animal lunged headfirst into the blue’s mouth, presumably to feed on the tongue, the whale weakened more and we did not see the carcass again. After the whale carcass sunk, about 50 killer whales were in the area feasting and sharing around the blue’s flesh.”
READ FULL ARTICLE: cosmosmagazine.com/nature/marine-life/three-separate-attacks-are-the-first-confirmed-blue-whale-deaths-by-killer-whales/
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1. As I couldn’t find in the article where these Orcas were attacking the whales, I read the whole article. It still didn’t tell me, but the references pointed to Australia.
2. I’m wondering why this entry was put in the Orcasonian? It has little to do with our Southern (Resident), or Northern (Transients) Orcas, though the Transients do forage for warm blooded marine animals,, mostly seals around here. And we know that the Residents go for salmon, and a particular type. unless totally stressed out.
3. Because this article has no explanations to the above facts, it can very easily influence many here in the islands negatively.
I feel it should not have been printed.