A review of Killer Whale interactions with other marine mammals: predation to co-existence

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1991
Authors:Alcántara, M, Jefferson, TA, Stacey, PJ, Baird, RW
Journal:Mammal Review
Volume:21
Date Published:1991
ISBN Number:1365-2907
Keywords:Apodemus sylvaticus, Dugong dugon, Orcinus orca
Abstract:

This paper analyses the geographical variation in body size of the Wood Mouse. A size increase is observed from north to south, contrary to Bergmann's rule. This increase is related to regions of sympatry and allopatry with the Yellow-necked Mouse, a closely related, potentially competing species. The possibility of character displacement playing an important role in determining the observed variation in body size is discussed.Killer Whales are well-known as predators of other marine mammals, including the large Sperm and baleen whales. Members of all marine mammal families, except the river dolphins and manatees, have been recorded as prey of Killer Whales; attacks have been observed on 20 species of cetaceans, 14 species of pinnipeds, the Sea Otter, and the Dugong. Ecological interactions have not been systematically studied and further work may indicate that the Killer Whale is a more important predator for some populations than previously believed. Not all behavioural interactions between Killer Whales and other marine mammal species result in predation, however. Some involve ‘harassment’ by the Killer Whales, feeding by both species in the same area, porpoises playing around Killer Whales, both species apparently ‘ignoring’ each other, and even apparently unprovoked attacks on Killer Whales by sea lions. These non-predatory interactions are relatively common. We conclude that interactions between Killer Whales and marine mammals are complex, involving many different factors that we are just beginning to understand.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2907.1991.tb00291.x
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