Predatory Behavior of Great White Sharks

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Predatory Ethogram

Great white shark hunting off the coast of South Africa has been extensively studied, and observations have lead to the generation of a predatory ethogram containing four phases: Initial Strike, Secondary Pursuit, Prey Capture, and Feeding. Each phase comprises a set of behaviors which can be utilized by the shark during the hunt to maximize success as circumstances change.

Why do Great White Sharks Breach?

Breaching occurs when a shark surges out of the water, completely clearing its body from the surface. White sharks breach during the initial strike as a method of surprising and overpowering their prey, fur seals. Approaching from below, they are difficult to see, especially for a seal with its head out of the water. A breach assault allows the white shark to build up speed before it contacts the seal with a devastating blow. The breach is meant to incapacitate the seal; attacks of a single breach were responsible for 80% of successful hunts.

Video

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