Apex predatory sharks and crocodiles simultaneously scavenge a whale carcass

Gallagher, Austin J., Papastamatiou, Yannis P., and Barnett, Adam (2018) Apex predatory sharks and crocodiles simultaneously scavenge a whale carcass. Journal of Ethology, 36 (2). pp. 205-209.

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DOI: 10.1007/s10164-018-0543-2

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Abstract

Scavenging is an important component to the overall ecology of consumers in virtually all ecosystems on Earth. Given the energetic benefits of foraging on these resource subsidies, opportunistic predators will adjust their behaviors accordingly to maximize access. One of the many consequences of large-scale scavenging opportunities is species interactions that are rarely observed in nature. Here we describe the first published record of predatory sharks (tiger sharks, Galeocerdo cuvier) and saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) foraging together in space and time, as documented on a large whale carcass off Western Australia. We report on and discuss the behaviors of the sharks and crocodiles in the hope of shedding new light on the interactions between apex predators that are rarely seen together, but may overlap under specific contexts.


Item ID:	57521
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1439-5444
Keywords:	behaviour; carcass; saltwater crocodile; predator; tiger shark; whale
Copyright Information:	Copyright © Japan Ethological Society and Springer Japan KK, part of Springer Nature 2018
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2019 01:28
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310301 Behavioural ecology @ 80% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310302 Community ecology (excl. invasive species ecology) @ 20%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960899 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity of Environments not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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