Abstract
Killer whales have a cosmopolitan distribution and as a species are generalists, feeding on a variety of prey. However, local populations tend to specialise on specific prey types. In Icelandic waters, killer whales are generally associated with herring and, thus, have been presumed to be herring specialists. However, recent studies suggest a more complex foraging ecology, possibly including a mosaic of strategies. With increased observational effort in recent years due to research and whale-watching activities, there have been several reports of interactions with different prey, including confirmed predation events. In this study we aimed to summarise the range of potential prey of killer whales observed in Icelandic waters. We report on 12 previously unpublished accounts and review 15 accounts published in the scientific literature or local newspapers, making a total of 27 events where killer whales were observed interacting with actual or potential prey. Thirteen different species, including birds (n = 1), cephalopods (n = 1), fish (n = 5) and marine mammals (n = 6), are reported, although herring is by far the species that killer whales are most often observed interacting with. This study provides the first summary of actual and suspected killer whale prey in Icelandic waters, and contributes towards our understanding of this population’s prey preferences. However, describing the diet of individuals/groups was not possible and this study points to a need for continued monitoring to understand the intricacies of killer whale foraging behaviour in this area.
Highlights
Killer whales (Orcinus orca, Linnaeus, 1758), as a species, have been reported to predate on numerous prey including fish, marine mammals, cephalopods, marine turtles and birds [1, 2]
We report on recent unpublished observations of killer whale interactions with potential prey and review available information from published sources to provide a summary of potential prey targeted by killer whales in Icelandic waters
A total of 13 different potential prey species were identified in this study, including birds, cephalopods, fish and marine mammals (Table 1)
Summary
Killer whales (Orcinus orca, Linnaeus, 1758), as a species, have been reported to predate on numerous prey including fish, marine mammals, cephalopods, marine turtles and birds [1, 2]. Several populations specialize on particular prey types and ecotypes diverging in diet, morphology, genetics and behaviour have been recognised in the North Pacific and Antarctica Killer whales with an apparent mixed diet that includes fish. Orca prey in Iceland to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section. Funding for dedicated research was provided by the Icelandic Research Fund. The funder had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
