Once Feared as the Ocean’s Apex Predator, “Great White Sharks” Are Now Being Hunted by a Deadly Enemy – Indian Defence Review
Once the undisputed ruler of the ocean, the great white shark is now facing an unexpected and relentless new predator. Disturbing evidence off Australia’s coast reveals a shocking shift in the marine food chain. A silent hunter is targeting great whites with surgical precision, leaving behind a gruesome pattern.In the waters off Australia’s southern coast, a dramatic shift in the ocean’s predator hierarchy is unfolding. The legendary great white shark, long considered the top hunter of the seas, is now facing a challenger that’s not just matching its prowess—but outsmarting it. Orcas, known for their intelligence and precise hunting techniques, have been confirmed to be actively preying on great whites in Australian waters, a behavior that has stunned marine scientists and could have far-reaching ecological consequences.For years, researchers suspected that orcas might be hunting great white sharks in Australian waters, but direct evidence was elusive. That changed in October 2023, when a 4.7-meter-long great white washed up on the shores of Portland, Victoria—missing its liver, digestive organs, and reproductive system.Just days earlier, witnesses had spotted a pod of orcas hunting a large prey in the same waters. Among them were two well-documented individuals, Bent Tip and Ripple, known for their calculated attacks. A forensic examination of the shark’s 50 cm wound near its pectoral fin revealed something groundbreaking: DNA traces of an orca attack.This discovery not only confirms that orcas are hunting great whites in Australian waters, but it also provides rare forensic proof of this behavior—changing what we know about predator dynamics in the region.Orcas are highly intelligent, social hunters with a diverse diet that includes whales, seals, large fish, and even other sharks. But recent studies suggest that great white sharks are becoming a specific target, and the reason may be as strategic as it is brutal.Across different regions, orcas have shown an almost surgical precision when preying on great whites. In South Africa, they have been observed removing only the liver, often leaving the rest of the shark’s body intact. Such behavior is now appearing in Australia, reinforcing the theory that orcas selectively hunt great whites for their nutrient-rich livers, which are packed with lipids—an energy-dense fuel that provides high-calorie nourishment.This level of precision is rarely seen outside human hunting practices, making orcas not just powerful predators but also remarkably strategic ones.This new power shift between orcas and great white sharks could have profound effects on the marine environment. In South Africa, where orcas have been hunting great whites for several years, sightings of the iconic sharks have plummeted. Scientists believe that fear of predation is driving them away from key hunting grounds, leading to disruptions in local food chains. If a similar pattern unfolds in Australia, the consequences could include:The great white shark has long been seen as the ultimate apex predator, dominating the marine food chain with its strength and efficiency. The rise of orcas as specialized shark hunters challenges this perception, revealing the power of intelligence and cooperative hunting over brute force.With evidence mounting in Australia, South Africa, and beyond, orcas are proving to be not just formidable predators but dominant forces in the ocean ecosystem. As this dynamic continues to evolve, the influence of orcas on marine life will only grow stronger, reshaping the balance of power in the seas.Got a reaction? Share your thoughts in the commentsEnjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free Newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest newsThe article failed to mention that this Orca hunting and feeding behavior is also documented off the coast of California!?This is a very concerning situation
Imagine having more Great whites off most of the Pacific Island where no Orcas are present, this could destroy the balance in the fishing industry … SCARY…With the change between GW and Orcas:
1. Would Orcas know something we don’t re Ocean climate change ?2. Would Orcas be trying to balance the Oceans back to pre Climate change??Could this be true???
Could this be beneficial??
Could it help in reversing the bleaching of coral?3. Can the Coral ever be corrected from the ravaging of bleaching?4. Is it true that the Oceans have to be fixed 1st for the whole climate to balance back??5. Do whales have relatives or scientists that have come from the future, to fix our past??They have been here for millions of years and are very smart???6. The way some of the larger countries and larger Medium countries have done very little to stop running cars on freeways, burning fuels etc…
are we going to meet our target of keeping the oceans cooler?
Or because of the many ignoring what is needed, millions are going to have to suffer???7. Certain person having changed jobs, we are now in terrific strife with everything.Welp…. Time to go whale hunting again…Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
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