Overview

• A previously unknown orca pod has been observed hunting dusky dolphins and sea lions near the Mejillones Peninsula.
• The pod, led by a matriarch named Dakota, was first spotted by local fishermen in 2018 and studied through citizen science and drone footage.
• Researchers identified the orcas as likely belonging to the Type A mammal-hunting ecotype based on their diet and behavior.
• The study, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, highlights the importance of understanding orca hunting habits for conservation strategies.
• Pollution, maritime traffic, and industrial activities in the region pose significant threats to the survival and welfare of these orcas.