06.05.2024 – Five

Published by Fatima Kutzschbach on May 13, 2024

What an incredible morning. There was one dolphin sighting after another. Five different dolphin species is record-breaking.

First we encountered the Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), which are rare visitors here. This dolphin species definitely specialises in synchronised swimming. This synchronised movement is a fascinating behaviour that is deeply rooted in their social structures. This behaviour serves several purposes, including strengthening social bonds within their group and coordination while hunting. As they glide through the water together, dolphins communicate with each other using sounds and body movements to synchronise their movements. Synchronised swimming can also play a role in defence against potential threats by strengthening the group and acting in unison.

We then observed bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which first hunted and then travelled eastwards. They have a remarkable intelligence. This dolphin species is one of the best researched dolphin species. They have a large brain in relation to their body size, which enables them to perform complex behaviours such as solving problems and using tools.

And once again we encountered another rare visitor in Madeira’s waters, Risso dolphins (Grampus griseus). Risso dolphins show an interesting change in their colouring as they age. As they get older, they take on a white colour. This change is a feature of their life history. At this stage, they look like white pearls in the blue Atlantic.

We went to see our wonderful Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). These dolphins often show a high level of interaction and communication with humans and react positively to their presence. They are our ‘human watchers’. I think sometimes our guests pay us to take them to these dolphins, who can then have a close look at the human species.

Finally, we were able to observe Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Short-beaked common dolphins and Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) are two subspecies of Common dolphins. The most obvious difference lies in the length and shape of their beak. Short-beaked common dolphins, as their name suggests, have a shorter beak compared to the Long-beaked species. Their beak is blunter and less pronounced. Although the size can be similar between the two species, Long-beaked common dolphins can be slightly larger on average and have a more slender body shape than their short-beaked relatives.