Sperm whales have been observed using a unique defense mechanism against orca attacks, known as defensive defecation. This behavior was witnessed off the southern coast of Western Australia, where a pod of sperm whales was being hunted by orcas. When the sperm whales seemed to be exhausted and unable to escape, they released a large cloud of reddish feces into the water.
RELATED: Reason why killer whales are ramming boats off Spain, Portugal and Shetland?
The reddish color of the feces is due to the sperm whales’ diet, which consists mostly of squid. The cloud of feces, combined with the whales swishing their tails, creates a visual barrier that confuses the orcas and helps the sperm whales to escape. This rare and effective strategy showcases the remarkable adaptations of these ocean giants in the face of predation.
Jennah Tucker, a marine biologist, observed two pods of orcas (killer whales) surge ahead of her boat near Bremer Canyon. This is a marine life hotspot about 40 miles offshore from the town of Bremer Bay. She also noticed “the unmistakable arched back and tail of a sperm whale”, accompanied by four other sperm whales.
She understood that the female Wales under attack on former defensive formation called a “Rosetta”. The calves were at the center, protected.
She then observed a large dark bubble rising to the surface among the whales. She thought it was blood but then realised that it wasn’t. She said: “The cloud of diarrhoea, created when the whale waived itself through its poo, acts to deter predators and, in this case, seemed to work. Events like this are rarely witnessed, let alone documented, with only a handful of accounts having been recorded globally.”
Sources: Newsweek and ABC.
Some other defense mechanisms of sperm whales
Sperm whales, like many marine animals, have developed a variety of defense mechanisms to protect themselves from predators such as orcas. Here are some notable strategies they use:
- Fight or Flight: Sperm whales exhibit a “fight or flight” response when threatened. They may attempt to outswim predators or, in some cases, confront them.
- Banding Together: When facing danger, sperm whales can form a defensive circle with their heads pointed inward and tails out, using their powerful flukes to fend off attackers.
- Vocalization: Male sperm whales may become more social and vocal upon detecting orca presence, which can help them coordinate their defense and avoid predation.
- Blubber Protection: Their thick layer of blubber can protect sperm whales from serious injuries during attacks, acting as a buffer that prevents deeper wounds.
Additionally, related species like the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale have their own unique defense mechanism. They can release a dark, ink-like liquid to obscure the water around them, similar to a squid’s ink defense, allowing them to escape from predators. This behavior is quite remarkable and showcases the diverse ways in which these creatures have adapted to survive in the ocean’s depths.
Sources: Sciencing, Marine Sanctuary, Springer and YouTube.
How deep can sperm whales dive?
Sperm whales are known for their remarkable diving capabilities. They can dive to incredible depths, often between 1,000 – 2,000 meters. These whales have been recorded diving as deep as 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) in search of their prey, which includes squid and fish. They are able to hold their breath for as long as 90 minutes during these deep dives. Their unique anatomy and adaptations allow them to withstand the immense pressure found at such depths without suffering any damage.
Sources: National Geographic, Britannica, Marine Patch and more.
RELATED: At $24,000 per pound this sperm whale grease is 16 times more valuable than gold
