Killer whales murder great white sharks for their livers

A recent autopsy of a partially consumed great white shark has revealed a disturbing trend—killer whales worldwide are not hesitant to attack these formidable fish, especially when they develop a taste for their liver.

Despite being apex predators, great white sharks are not immune to attacks. In October 2023, a Carcharodon carcharias carcass washed up in southeastern Australia, displaying clear signs of an assault by an unknown species. The shark had distinct bite wounds on its underside and was missing its liver, digestive organs, and reproductive organs. After careful investigation, researchers concluded that a killer whale was responsible for the attack, feasting on the shark’s innards, particularly its liver.

The study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, confirmed the presence of killer whale DNA in the primary bite area, with scavenging sharks also participating in the meal. Eyewitness accounts from 2023 supported these findings, describing killer whales hunting in Australia’s Bridgewater Bay before the great white shark washed ashore.

Similar incidents of killer whales targeting the liver of white sharks have been observed off the coasts of South Africa and California. The recent findings in Australian waters suggest that such predation events may be more common globally than previously believed.

The impact of these hunting behaviors on Australia’s marine ecosystem remains uncertain. Researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring these interactions to understand their implications on the broader marine environment.

The potential decrease in great white shark populations due to these attacks could lead to significant changes in the marine ecosystem. Preserving these apex predators is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and function.