19.03.2024 – Circle of trust

Trust is an essential part of any mammals life. Being able to trust their fellow conspecifics with their protection, the protection of their young and being able to rely on one another in the face of danger or during complex pursuits of prey, these are the incredible benefits that come with being a social mammal. 

Oceanic dolphins like Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are thought to carefully select the members of their circle of trust based on factors which are similar to those determining the selection of friends in humans. Some dolphins continue to hang out with their childhood friends, others take off in search of new companions to venture the oceans with. Either way, like human relationships, these friendship-like bonds between the animals have to withstand the test of time along with other challenges out on the ocean, and this then determines if these pod members will continue their journey together. 

With larger dolphins, like the Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhychus) it’s a totally different story. Pilot whale females remain with their family pods, strictly stable entities each with its own culture and array of individual members. The solidarity within these groups is so strong that it leaves them sticking together, even if it may mean certain death. Unlike oceanic dolphins, pilot whale relationships will not wither with the challenges that the ocean brings. Instead their bond only grows stronger.

What a thought to have while observing these magnificent creatures in the wild. Both our boats had the pleasure of meeting these intelligent and social delphinids today, and we were happy to return with many happy guests.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Short-beaked common dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales

13:30 Short-beaked common dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales