Expedition Killer Whale (2 Viewers)

[JTweedie]

Follow two scientists as they explore the sea off the Antarctic Peninsula for spyhopping killer whales. Lots of footage of this behaviour, as well as associated behaviour of communicating with each other during hunts.

One of the things I thought about was that birds - skuas and storm petrels benefit from these hunts and if the killer whales disappear will this have a knock on effect on bird populations too?

This was broadcast on Boxing Day, but is on iPlayer if you have access to this.

BBC Two - Expedition Killer Whale

A team heads to Antarctica to study killer whales that create waves to wash seals off ice.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[DMW]

I'd say the short answer to your question is no. Killer Whales are relatively scarce compared to the true whales, which are undergoing a very strong recovery in Antarctic waters. Same applies to Fur Seals and Elephant Seals (although sadly the latter got clobbered by avian influenza in 2023). I doubt any bird species are significantly reliant on Killer Whales.

 

[Farnboro John]

Great programme but disturbing global warmth message underlying the fantastic wildlife filming and fascinating research.

John