19.03.2022 – Community feeling

Absolutely everything about dolphins is social, this instantly becomes clear during a sighting. Their communities are fluid  and ever changing, but it all happens with  a complex and magnificent structure. Dolphin pods aren’t simply gatherings of individuals; they are centres of interaction and social learning for the animals. Friendships exist within all corners of that community and, while many are brief, a significant amount may also last a lifetime.

Observations of dolphins in the wild has given us a considerably better understanding of their social lives and how they select their fellow group members.  A large majority of this research was conducted through observations of Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Both species are notoriously interactive and their curious nature has made them two of the best studied cetacean species along with the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). We met both these dolphins during our tour aboard the Stenella this morning but the species that marvelled guests on both our boats were the spotted dolphins.

These small dolphins are very abundant during the summer months and their board distribution as well as their inquisitive nature has earned them the reputation as being one of the cetaceans that is easiest to observe in the wild. Few biologists know the spotted dolphins as well as Dr. Denise Herzing from Wild Dolphin Project, who has spent over 30 years studying the resident groups of spotted and bottlenose in the shallow lagoons of the Bahamas. Herzing’s research has shed light onto the complex structure of these dolphin communities as well as their language. Here is a link to an interesting TED talk by this wonderful scientist, whose contribution again proves that although we are learning more and more about these fascinating creatures, we still have a long way to go!

Thanks to all our guests for this brilliant trip!

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins