Study Shows Tiger Sharks Opt for Scavenging on Dead and Dying Sea Turtles as a Feeding Strategy
Friday, August 19, 2016 - 05:01
in Biology & Nature
MIAMI--An international team that includes University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science researchers found behavioral evidence that tiger sharks prefer to opportunistically scavenge on dead or weakened green turtles rather than actively hunting healthy individuals despite more opportunities to do so. The study, conducted off the coast of Australia during the turtle nesting season, also found the behavior of healthy green turtles suggests that they do not perceive tiger sharks as a major threat during nesting season.