For the first time it was possible to capture the moment when a sea turtle defends itself against the attack of a shark. Sea turtles have generally been seen as peaceful creatures hiding behind their protective shells at the warning signal, but this new video from Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University and WA DBCA, shows a different perspective.
The attacker is a tiger shark, considered by many to be the most dangerous shark in the world after the great white shark. These large predators can reach up to 5 meters in length and will try to eat almost anything, from other sharks and sea turtles, to pieces of debris on the seabed, a publication of IFL science.
Researcher Jenna Hounslow of the Harry Butler Institute said this it was not surprising that a tiger shark tried to kill and eat a turtle, since they were one of the main prey for tiger sharks.
“It simply came to our notice then you see the turtle defending itself aggressively, trying to bite the attacking shark “, said Hounslow.
In the video, you can see how the flat turtle measures the position of the tiger shark shortly before it moves towards it. Instead of running away or giving back, the turtle turns its head towards the approaching shark and launches a series of aggressive attacks.
Despite its fierce reputation, the tiger shark seems to decide that this snack is not worth it, due to the aggressive actions of the turtle. When you give up the turtle makes a high-speed escape with the small folds of its neck trembling.
“We suspect that aggressive behavior is simply a means reduces the chances of being eaten when the shell does not provide complete protection. This time, the turtle managed to escape unharmed from the shark “, added Hounslow.
This audiovisual is unique because it shows how technology allows us to know the behavior of certain animals and conduct a more detailed study.
The characteristic shell of sea turtles protects these predators as they roam the ocean, however, images of this type show that There are no passive victims who choose to hide at the first sign of trouble. As the video reveals, they can really successfully defend themselves by throwing ferocious sharks.
“This new technology gives us an unparalleled picture of what these turtles do when they are at sea, away from their nesting beaches, which for the most part but the most incomprehensible aspect of their lives “, said lead researcher Sabrina Fossette of WA DBCA.
This video was made possible by a new technology called “smart tag” which researchers compare to connecting a Go-Pro to a Fitbit.
The purpose of the project investigate the feeding behavior of turtles in the Gulf of Roebuck in Western Australia, to try to fill in the gaps in our understanding of how turtles return to their feeding bases every year. (I)