Abstract :
Killer whales have been regularly reported in the Antarctic
(Jehl et al. 1980, Thomas et al. 1981, Branch & Butterworth
2001, Pitman & Ensor 2003). As in the Northern
Hemisphere where killer whales manifest three ecotypes
(resident, transient and offshore) (Jones 2006), three forms
of killer whale have been described in Antarctic waters
(Pitman & Ensor 2003). Such ecotypes, defined as A, B and
C, differ from one another, on the basis of body size, color
pattern, habitat preferences and food habits. However, no
detailed information on the diet is available. It is generally
believed that the A form is a mammal eating species, while
the B form preys on pinnipeds (possibly including penguins
and whales) and the C form is a fish eater targeting
toothfishes (Dissostichus spp.) (Berzin & Vladimirov
1983).
The
