23.09.22 – Mating

Today there were leaps in the morning as well as at noon. On our lunchtime tour, however, a subgroup of the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) was very much involved in mating activity.

Mating behavior can be observed in two different variants. Either two animals mate. In this case, no other animals are involved. The male must attract the female’s attention and assert himself against other competitors. In such cases, Leaps can often be observed, which express an imposing behavior. With this courtship behavior, one can also often observe that the two dolphins involved behave very tactile before the mating behavior.

But sometimes this mating behavior takes place in a group. Male dolphins put the female in between them, while another male approaches the female from below. In these situations, it is questionable whether mating will take place with the consent of the female.

Sexual maturity varies by species of marine mammal. However, females reach reproductive age earlier.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins