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Bottlenose dolphins breaching

Landmark report reveals UK wildlife’s devastating decline

With whales and dolphins already facing many threats, a landmark report released this week reveals...
Dolphins with oil rig

Go ahead for new UK oil and gas exploration threatens whales and dolphins

Permission has been granted for the development of the UK's biggest untapped oilfield off Shetland,...
Icelandic hunting vessels in port

Whaling boat kept in port after more hunt cruelty exposed

Icelandic whale hunting fleet One of the whaling boats involved in the latest hunts in...
Commerson's dolphin

New Important Marine Mammal Areas added to global ocean conservation list

Commerson's dolphin Experts from a number of countries have mapped out a new set of...

Are orcas responsible for great white shark deaths in South Africa?

Scientists in South Africa have been examining the bodies of three great white sharks that have washed up off the coast of Gansbaai on the western Cape.

The sharks, up to 5m long, had their oil-rich livers missing, with the most likely explanation that they were probably preyed on by orcas.

The two predators are often found sharing the same habitat where there is large available prey such as seals, and some populations of orcas are known to feed on other species of sharks. However, incidents involving orcas hunting great whites have only been recorded on a few occasions, most notably in California and Australia.

Like many sharks, Great Whites are endangered and according to researchers from the Dyer Island Conservation Trust who have carried out a photo-id study, the population in the area is thought to be no more than around 1,000 sharks. The organisation has seen increased orca sightings in the area in recent years.

About George Berry

George is a member of WDC's Communications team and website coordinator.