Recent research confirmed that orcas prey on great white sharks in Australian waters, particularly targeting their liver. The analysis followed the discovery of a 4.7-meter great white shark carcass missing its vital organs, correlating with sightings of killer whales in the area. DNA tests showed the presence of orca DNA near significant bite wounds inflicted on the shark. This marks the first evidence of this predation behavior in Australia, previously noted only in other regions, indicating a significant ecological dynamic that may be underreported.
Isabella Reeves, a Flinders University researcher, stated that the presence of killer whale DNA in the bite wounds confirms their predation on great white sharks in Australian waters.
This finding shows we might be underestimating how frequently orca predation on great whites occurs, highlighting the need for further research in this area.
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