10.09.2019 – Streetwise

All dolphins have a few tricks up their sleeve and this often becomes visible during a sighting. Today both our boats met two species that are often true entertainers during sightings; the nimble and interactive Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and the dynamic, powerful Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Although both species are notoriously curious and like to interact with other species, the Bottlenose dolphins, due to their size and broad distribution, are definitely more streetwise. 

We have small compact groups of Bottlenose dolphins in the company of almost every other specie of cetacean visiting Madeira’s waters, with the exception of the shy and rarely sighted beaked whales. These associative sightings may take place for a number of possible reasons but, one things for sure, they are usually initiated by the Bottlenose dolphins. This will to interact with other species also means that the animals learn another important component of social behaviour; coexistence. Hanging out with another cetacean, no matter how different they may be, leads to a better understanding of their relationship and how to react to each others presence during an encounter. 

The Bottlenose don’t behave similarly with all cetaceans; some interactions are peaceful but these large delphinids can also be real bullies. While the Bottlenose tend to behave around the powerful Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and False orcas (Pseudorca crassidens), the size of the massive Sperm whales (Physeter macrorhynchus) doesn’t stop them from annoying these gentle giants while they are peacefully resting at the surface. Bottlenose dolphins can be particularly mean to smaller dolphin species, like the spotted dolphins. In fact the large group of spotted dolphins we had encountered on this mornings tour were moving east, further away from the small group of Bottlenose we had met off the coast of Madalena do Mar. On the other hand, the spotted did not seem stressed at all today, in fact the dolphins that surrounded the boat did so in a perfectly calm manner. So perhaps, the Bottlenose showed their softer side to their smaller cousins today….

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins