10.11.2021 – The diversity of companionship

All cetaceans are social animals and this is especially true for toothed whales (Odontodeti). From the giant Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) up to the tiny and critically endangered Vaquita (Phocoena sinus), all are usually surrounded by their social companions at least for a certain period of their lives. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have the luxury of choosing their companions after leaving their mothers side, making them the makers of their own culture. Amongst females such friendships, known as associations, help ensure the survival of their calves while so-called alliances among male animals are thought to increase mating success.

Female Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) form family units and actively support one another in raising the younger members of their pods. Such matriarchal groups are characterised by extremely strong bonds and are considered as cultural entities, each with their own dialect and group dynamic. Males prefer to travel in small bachelor pods and move from one female group to another, keeping the species gene pool healthy.

The largest of all toothed whales, the Sperm whale, have a similar social structure to the pilot whales with males leaving their birth pod, joining bachelor groups and eventually leading a nomadic lifestyle whilst females remain with their birth pod. Such matriarchal units often visit Madeira at this time of the year and one was encountered in windy waters this afternoon after a long search.

Whether its dolphins or larger whales, the companionship amongst the animals simply adds to their unquestionable charisma and charm. How lucky we are to have them around!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

14:30 Sperm whales