In southern Brazil, a unique partnership between humans and dolphins has been observed in the Laguna area, where fishers work together with dolphins to catch mullet in a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Dolphins and Humans Team Up to Catch Fish in Brazil
For generations, fishers in southern Brazil have been working together with dolphins to catch mullet, a mutually beneficial arrangement that has been observed in the region’s Laguna area.
Dolphins are highly social marine mammals that live in groups, called pods.
These pods can range from a few individuals to hundreds of dolphins.
They have been observed exhibiting complex behaviors such as cooperation, communication, and even culture.
In the wild, dolphins have been known to form long-term bonds with each other, often staying together for many years.
They also display unique hunting strategies, working together to catch prey in coordinated attacks.
The Tandem Hunting Tradition
This unique hunting partnership between humans and dolphins is based on trust and coordination. ‘Dolphins herd schools of mullet toward the shore, where human fishermen are waiting to cast their nets.’ The dolphins then signal the humans by slapping their tails against the water or diving suddenly, indicating that it’s time to net the fish.
Understanding Dolphin Cooperation
Researchers from Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute have been studying this phenomenon for decades and have recently published a study on the coordination between dolphin groups during these hunts. Using drones to film dolphin behavior over 18 days in 2018, they found that dolphins not only cooperate with each other but also adapt their tactics based on human activities.
Key Findings
The researchers observed three key elements of dolphin cooperation: the distance between individuals when surfacing, the alignment of their swimming trajectories, and the synchronization of their dives. They found that when dolphins approached humans along multiple trajectories while herding fish and synchronized their dives, the chances of a successful catch increased significantly.
Dolphins are known to exhibit complex social behaviors, including cooperation.
In the wild, dolphins have been observed working together to hunt and catch prey, such as 'fish' and 'squid'.
They also cooperate during births, with multiple females assisting a new mother.
Studies have shown that dolphins use signature whistles to identify individual members of their group and even grieve when one of their own dies.
This level of cooperation is rare in the animal kingdom and highlights the advanced social intelligence of dolphins.
Importance of Understanding Dolphin Cooperation
Understanding how dolphins adapt to human activities is crucial for prolonging this unique hunting partnership. Ecologists are now working with computer scientists to build an AI model that can extract patterns in dolphin behavior from drone videos. This research has the potential to provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between humans and nature.
Dolphins have adapted to their aquatic environment through various physical and behavioral traits.
Their streamlined bodies reduce drag, allowing them to swim at high speeds.
Their dorsal fin provides stability and balance in the water.
Dolphins also possess a thick layer of blubber to regulate body temperature and conserve energy.
Additionally, they use echolocation to navigate and hunt in murky waters, demonstrating their remarkable adaptability.
A Lasting Example of Mutualism
This remarkable example of cooperation between two top predators highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the natural world. As behavioral ecologist Mauricio Cantor notes, ‘Our interactions with nature don’t have to be one-sided; they can be mutual too.’ By studying this unique partnership, we can learn valuable lessons about the potential for mutually beneficial relationships between humans and other species.
- sciencenews.org | Dolphins and humans team up to catch fish in Brazil
