22.11.2022 – Far to the West
November 29, 2022
24.11.2022 – 2 similarities, 2 differences
December 1, 2022
This morning we observed two groups of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) at different spots. While one school was at rest, the second group headed west. Our way of “sleeping” or resting is very different from that of marine mammals. While we have a breathing reflex and don’t have to worry about breathing, the situation with whales and dolphins is completely different. While they can exhale underwater, in the liquid element they must always ensure their blowhole is above the surface of the sea before inhaling. There are many nerve endings around the blowhole, which allow the marine mammal to sense when to breathe in. But how can it be ensured in such a situation that the animals come to rest? There is also a perfect solution for this in nature. One side of the brain is dormant while the other remains active. With the active side, the marine mammal gets everything important and can react accordingly. An elegant solution, right?
We also had Pilot whales in the afternoon, but this time they were socializing very intensely. We watched Syhops (head out of the water); flukes held aloft, flippers were stretched in the air and many little calves. Socializing is a very important activity because it strengthens the bond between the animals. A guest asked about the cuts on the animals. In the photos I could see what was meant by that. These are rattles that come from the teeth of the other member of the group.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Pilot whales
Stenella
15:00 Pilot whales
