Whales and dolphins engage in complex social behaviors, study finds

As humpback whales migrate annually along the Australian coast, reports have shown dolphins often join these mass movements. A new comprehensive global study now supports this observation, revealing frequent and widespread interspecies social interactions between whales and dolphins.

The study analyzed 199 documented interactions over two decades, spanning 17 countries and involving 19 different species. It incorporated data from social media platforms and citizen contributions, validated carefully by researchers.

Exploring Social Behaviors Across Species

Interactions included dolphins swimming near whale heads (bow riding), rolling, tail slaps, rubbing, and swimming in formation. Approximately 80% of dolphin positions were near whale heads, with humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins being the most involved species.

Interestingly, dolphins usually initiated interactions such as bow riding and touching whales. Whales often responded positively by rolling or exposing bellies, indicating social play rather than aggression.

Did you know?
Dolphins follow humpback whales not only at the surface but down to the ocean floor, maintaining eye contact during interactions, a sign of social engagement.

Emotional Intelligence and Playfulness

Rarely were signs of distress or aggression observed. In over one-third of humpback-dolphin encounters, behaviors suggested social play. Camera-tagged humpback whales showed dolphins following them down to ocean depths and maintaining eye contact, suggesting intentional social engagement.

These findings challenge earlier perceptions that interspecies interactions are rare and suggest marine mammals possess advanced cognitive and emotional capabilities that facilitate complex social bonding.

Technological Advances Reveal New Insights

The rise of drone technology and social media has made it easier to document and study these interactions in the wild, uncovering behaviors that traditional methods might have missed.

While social media data can be biased by location and observer conditions, it complements scientific research by highlighting previously unknown behaviors and encouraging broader public interest.

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A New Dimension in Marine Ecology

This study adds a layer of understanding to marine mammal social ecology. Dolphins and whales do more than coexist; they seek interactions that may serve purposes of stimulation, companionship, and perhaps courtship.

Future research incorporating acoustic monitoring and longer observations could deepen understanding of these complex relationships, emphasizing the urgency of protecting these intelligent marine species.