First observations of dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) attacking a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf
M. L. Dicken A B F , A. A. Kock C D and M. Hardenberg E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa.
B Department of Development Studies, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, PO Box 77000, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa.
C Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
D Shark Spotters, PO Box 22581, Fish Hoek, Cape Town 7974, South Africa.
E Shark Explorers, 62 St Georges Street, Simonstown, Cape Town 7975, South Africa.
F Corresponding author. Email address: matt@shark.co.za
Marine and Freshwater Research 66(12) 1211-1215 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF14317
Submitted: 9 October 2014 Accepted: 13 December 2014 Published: 4 May 2015
Abstract
Direct observations of sharks attacking mysticetes are rare. The present study provides the first direct observation of dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) attacking a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf. The event was witnessed on 16 July 2014 within the Pondoland Marine Protected Area, South Africa, during the annual sardine run. The event involved a group of ~10 to 20 dusky sharks ranging in length between 2 and 3 m. The sharks followed in a loose group behind the whale and attacked it while it was on the surface as well as when diving. Shark bites were concentrated on the left-hand side of the whale’s body primarily between the pectoral fin and tail fluke, with almost no bites on the right-hand side. Most of the bites were superficial and resulted in tooth impressions and scrapes with little tissue removed. The condition of the calf deteriorated over the study period and it was presumed to have drowned from exhaustion when it stopped surfacing. These observations provide a new insight into the potential threat that dusky sharks may pose to whale calves.
Additional keywords: predator–prey, sardine run, South Africa.
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