Abstract
Knowledge of killer whale (Orcinus orca) feeding ecology in tropical waters is scarce. In the southwest Indian Ocean, opportunistic sightings provide a valuable source of information to better understand their behaviour, diet and distribution. Here, we compile existing records of killer whale predation on elasmobranchs in the southwest Indian Ocean, including sightings of three undescribed prey species regionally: a giant manta ray (Mobula birostris), a sicklefin devil ray (Mobula tarapacana) and a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). Documenting such observations is important to increase knowledge on killer whale ecology in the tropics and the cascading impact they might have on prey populations.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e13342 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | African Journal of Ecology |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 29 Oct 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2024 |
Keywords
- Elasmobranchs
- Foraging ecology
- Killer whale
- Orcinus orca
- Predation
- Ray
- Shark
- Tropical Indian Ocean