Chile

An orca identified as “Dakota”, the matriarch of a pod found off Chile, tosses a dusky dolphin into the air. (Photo credit: Maikol Barrera / CC BY 4.0)

Previously Unknown Orca Population off Chile Hunts Dolphins

These orcas, living in the krill- and anchovy-rich waters of the Humboldt Current, have previously been observed using fishing boats to help them capture sea lions. Now, they have been observed to be skilled hunters of dusky dolphins, a behavior documented for the first time by a team led by Dr Ana García Cegarra of the Universidad de Antofagasta. The findings reveal that the orcas share their prey within their pods, suggesting complex social behaviors and shedding light on their ecological role.