Killer Whales of Southern Africa

Aaron Barnes' presentation focuses on the work done to date on killer whales around southern Africa and tracking trends uncovered through his work. Discover why working on these animals is so difficult, what is known about their occurrence and diets, their impacts on fisheries and ecosystems, and the research that is currently underway.

The presentation includes Aaron's  PhD study, ongoing studies through his supervisor, and another MSc student. Learn also how operators and the general public can assist with the science!

Each session consists of 20-minute presentations, followed by a joint Q&A session of 15 minutes.

ABOUT AARON BARNES

Aaron Barnes is currently a PhD student at Stellenbosch University and Sea Search Research and Conservation. His journey with biology and the natural world started at a young age, always having had an inherent fascination with nature. After school, he obtained a BSc degree in Biodiversity and Ecology, while his postgraduate studies led him down the path of evolutionary biology, particularly towards that of phylogenetics, phylogeography, and conservation.

After his studies, he shifted to the marine realm, assisting and conducting research at Sea Search on various cetaceans such as humpback whales, and for a few years worked on Cape fur seal health and the recent rabies issue. Part of the seal work revolved around investigating toxicological impacts on seal health, monitoring colonies, and sample collections.

Currently, Aaron is in the second year of his PhD, looking into the ecology, genetic patterning, social interactions, and depredation among South Africa’s most charismatic marine predator, the killer whale. His study aims to generate a solid amount of baseline knowledge and data on killer whales around southern Africa and to fit that into a broader region, towards a better understanding of these awesome animals.

"I maintain a double-edged sword, however, still working on forest and freshwater animals, while chipping away at understanding our enigmatic sea pandas."