19.04.2019 – An exception to the rule
April 29, 2019
21.04.2019 – Happy jumping dolphin confetti
May 1, 2019
A group of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) dominated our sightings today. Although they are considered to be the most commonly encountered dolphin, every sighting with these animals is incredible for me because they are just so fascinating! These intelligent creatures display an interesting social behaviour that involves the animals establishing relationships with both other Bottlenose dolphins and with individuals from other species.
In contrast to the rather fixed pods of other larger toothed whales, such as Pilot whales, oceanic dolphins constantly choose their peers and the company in which they travel. A school of dolphins consists of several little subunits, which can be considered as temporary circles of friends that associate and dissociate according to interests and opportunities. Dolphins begin establishing such friendships after they leave their mothers side and become more selective about their companions the older they get. Such choices within dolphin societies determine what each individual learns and also affects the dynamic and behaviour of the entire group.
During a sighting, it often takes the approach of just one curious individual to our boats to initiate an encounter with the entire school. This is what happened on todays afternoon tour and our guests were also surprised by some spectacular leaps of two young dolphins! One can’t help but wonder: are these two acrobats friends or just temporary acquaintances? Do they share similar interests and actually like each others company? Or is this just a coincidental set-up, a brief question of fun or opportunity? One thing’s for certain such social dynamics sure are fun to watch!
By Paula Thake
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
10:00 Bottlenose dolphins
15:00 No sighting
Stenella
15:00 Bottlenose dolphins
