Team of researchers near Chile witnessed an intense encounter between a powerful female killer whale and a smaller dolphin, with the dolphin ultimately becoming the orcas’ meal. The incident took place in 2023 in the coastal waters near Chile, shedding light on the feeding habits of these marine mammals.

The researchers, who were on a nearby boat, captured the incident on video, identifying the prey as a dusky dolphin, a species native to South America. This observation marked the first evidence of orcas hunting, catching, and sharing dusky dolphins in the Humboldt Current system.

This particular group of orcas in the Humboldt Current region is not as well-studied as other killer whale populations around the world. The researchers documented the orcas hunting various marine species, including dusky dolphins, long-beaked common dolphins, leatherback sea turtles, South American fur seals, and Humboldt penguins.

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are highly social animals with distinct behaviors and hunting strategies. The Humboldt Current orcas, which may belong to a specific ecotype based on their prey preferences, offer valuable insights into the diversity of killer whale populations.

The researchers also noted unique social interactions among the orcas, including distinct groupings with matriarchs and their descendants. By tracking the orcas’ movements and diet, conservation efforts can be better tailored to protect these marine mammals.

Further research is needed to understand the full extent of orca behaviors and social structures. Studying their interactions, hunting strategies, and communication styles will contribute to the ongoing conservation efforts to protect killer whales in the world’s oceans.