29.11.2024 – Sophisticated technology

Today we had Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) throughout the day. Although there is a big difference in size, both marine mammal species have something in common. They belong to the toothed whale group and hunt using sonar. The organ used for echolocation is called the melon in Bottlenose dolphins and the spermaceti organ in Sperm whales. This organ emits sonar frequencies which, when returned to the receiver, provide the marine mammal with information about its environment. Baleen whales have to manage without this sophisticated technology.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

13:30 Sperm whales

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins

13:30 Sperm whales