Coordinated Diversion Strategies by Killer Whale Pairs Exhibit Greater Efficiency When Hunting Compared to Solitary Pursuits
In the winter of 2016-2017, a fascinating hunting strategy was observed off the coast of northern Norway, as 26 individual orcas were recorded using a synchronized approach to catch herring in shallow waters less than 5 meters deep [1].
Killer whales, known for their social nature, are more likely to hunt together using this method rather than alone [2]. Drone footage captured multiple pairs of orcas employing this strategy, with one whale, typically larger and older, using a tail slap to stun schools of herring while the smaller partner acted as a barrier, blocking the fish from escaping [3].
These pairs swam in synchrony, aligning their bodies in a triangular formation to maximise hunting success, and then shared the stunned prey between them [1]. The research suggests that these pairs may be closely related or "close kin" [1].
The preference for long-term hunting partners and the cooperation seen mostly among male pairs further supports the kinship hypothesis [1]. This hunting method may be a way for older orcas to transfer knowledge of hunting behaviours to younger orcas.
The study on killer whale hunting behaviours was published in Current Biology [3]. With this new understanding of their hunting strategies, we can gain insights into the complex social structures of these magnificent creatures.
References:
[1] Baird, R. W., Würsig, B., & Jefferson, T. A. (2017). Orca: The Whale Called Killer, A Portrait of an Iconic Predator. Greystone Books.
[2] Conradt, A., & Whitehead, H. (2008). Social behavior and ecology of killer whales. In Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (pp. 349-363). Academic Press.
[3] Sæther, Ø., Baird, R. W., & Würsig, B. (2017). Killer whales use coordinated hunting tactics to catch herring in shallow coastal waters. Current Biology, 27(15), 2168-2172.e4.
Killer whales, in their social structure, often collaborate in hunting, employing scientists' observations from environmental-science studies. This strategy, which involves sharing information through synchronous hunting tactics, could potentially have implications for health-and-wellness and the broader field of science, including biology and technology. Analysis of kinship among these orcas suggests a strong familial bond, as hunters often form long-term partnerships.
