22.08.2022 – Social scratchmarks

This midsummers day started with a bang with incredible encounters on both our boats. While the guests aboard our zodiac had the pleasure of snorkelling with a wonderful group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), everyone aboard the Ribeira Brava had the incredible joy of enjoying sightings with a large Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni) and her calf, as well as with a group of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

While the whales kept their distance, the Bottlenose Dolphins cautiously approached our boat and we all got to admire a few interesting details about the animals physique. One of the most obvious differences between Bottlenose Dolphins in the wild from those in captivity are the abundant scratches across their bodies, a sign of frequent body contact with their fellow peers. Oceanic dolphins such as the Bottlenose Dolphins and the spotted dolphins are highly gregarious animals and their continuous communication through sonar is accompanied by frequent body contact. Both form an essential part of their social lives and play an important role in establishing long term friendships with other dolphins.

While social life doesn’t leave such obvious scratches on the bodies of baleen whales, the importance of body contact is undeniable amongst all species, especially between mother and calf. Females often keep their young safely tucked under their flipper and caresses it to make it feel secure.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whale

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whale