In late April, Steve Benjamin of Animal Ocean observed an unprecedented number of white sharks from a helicopter over Chintsa Bay, Eastern Cape. For three weeks, daily sightings ranged from 10 to 46 sharks. This unusual congregation was followed by the discovery of a 4.6-meter-long white shark carcass, marked by orca predation signs, including a missing liver. The incident eerily mimicked past events in Western Cape, where orca presence led to white shark disappearances. Dr. Alison Towner supports the theory that orcas drive these shark relocations. However, marine ecologist Dr. Enrico Gennari remains skeptical, attributing the sightings to food availability rather than predation patterns. This debate underscores the necessity for further research on South Africa’s white shark population, which, despite being protected since 1991, shows no clear increase. The complex dynamics of marine ecosystems and shifting baselines in scientific perception continue to shape our understanding of these apex predators’ movements and behavior.
Original Source: Daily Maverick
Date: 2024-06-19 18:52:22
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