Killer Whales Confirmed as New Threat to Great White Sharks

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Recent research has confirmed that killer whales are increasingly targeting great white sharks in Australian waters, raising concerns about the impact on the marine ecosystem. An autopsy conducted on a 15-foot great white shark found in southeastern Australia revealed evidence of predation by killer whales, with the shark's liver and other organs missing, as noted in the journal Ecology and Evolution.

Isabella Reeves, lead author of the study from Flinders University, explained that genetic testing confirmed the presence of killer whale DNA in the shark's bite wounds, with insightful observations supporting these findings occurring just days prior when beachgoers reported sightings of killer whales hunting large prey in Bridgewater Bay.

Historical data indicated that such predation behavior has already been observed off the coasts of South Africa and California, prompting researchers to speculate on its potential frequency in Australia. Adam Miller, a senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of monitoring these interactions, as the decline in great white shark populations may have cascading effects on marine ecosystems due to their role as apex predators.

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