Some dolphins have orca friends. Scientists have figured out what's going on
4 days ago
- #orca behavior
- #interspecies cooperation
- #marine biology
- Pacific white-sided dolphins and Northern Resident orcas in British Columbia have been observed cooperating to hunt salmon, a first for these marine mammals.
- Researchers used drone footage and underwater cameras to document the interactions, revealing synchronized hunting behaviors at depths up to 60 meters.
- The orcas may use dolphins as 'scouts' to locate salmon, expanding their acoustic field of view and conserving energy.
- Dolphins benefit by accessing leftover salmon and gaining protection from other predatory orca pods, though salmon isn't a core part of their diet.
- Some scientists, like Brittany Visona-Kelly, argue that dolphins initiate interactions and gain more benefits, while orcas tolerate them rather than cooperate.
- The study challenges previous assumptions, showing active participation by dolphins and no antagonistic behavior from orcas.
- Interspecies cooperation, though rare among predators, highlights how different abilities can create mutually beneficial relationships.