09.02.2019 – Two species, one nursery

The Atlantic was rather choppy this morning, which made locating the compact herd of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) abit of a challenge. Through the diligent efforts of our crew, particularly our spotter and skipper, we were able to locate them after searching for half an hour. A part of the group was swimming with a handful of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and both groups of species included small juveniles and calves.

Short-finned pilot whales are thought to form rather fixed matrilineal pods consisting of several females tending to the younger animals. Bottlenose dolphins, though rather opportunistic in their social dynamics, also tend to form groups of nursing, pregnant and lactating females. Female-female bonds are thought to strengthen the chances of survival for calves and reduce infant mortality in cetaceans as well as in some species of terrestrial mammals, such as elephants or chimpanzees.

We often see calves within such interspecial associations which may indicate that the Bottlenose dolphins seek protection for their young amongst the pilot whales. Perhaps such social interactions are also beneficial for the social skills of their young, so that future bottlenose and pilot whale generations may also seek each others company and do so in the same peaceful fashion as their parents.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Stenella

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales