First Record of Predation on False Killer Whales (<I>Pseudorca crassidens</I>) by Killer Whales (<I>Orcinus orca</I>)

• DOI: 10.1578/am.36.2.2010.195
• Publication Date: 2010-06-08T23:47:21Z
• Authors: Ingrid N. Visser; Jochen Zaeschmar; Jo Halliday; Annie Abraham; Phil Ball; Robert Bradley; Shamus Daly; Tommy Hatwell; Tammy Johnson; Warren Johnson; Laura Kay; Tim Maessen; Vanessa McKay; Taira Peters; Nathan Turner; Basil Umuroa; Daniela S. Pace
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; feeding; predator; prey; mixed-species group; cetacean; killer whale; Orcinus orca; false killer whale; Pseudorca crassidens; cookie cutter shark; Isistius sp.; 14. Life underwater

The first record of killer whale (Orcinus orca) predation on false whales (Pseudorca crassidens) is reported here. On 25 March 2010, a group 50 to 60 whales, including approximately 15 calves and accompanied by three five bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.), were sighted in the Bay Islands, New Zealand. Within 30 min, they approached eight whales. Five attacked, with at least rammed from below, forcing them out water. After 29 milling surface feeding carcass calf, possibly only individual killed. had prolific fresh healed oval wounds, which attributed cookie cutter shark (Isistius sp.) bites.