Dolphin Social Life

Many researchers agree that dolphins extremely social creatures and actually seem to depend on this interaction while hunting, mating and defending themselves and their pods. Typically, dolphins live and travel in groups ranging from 2-40 dolphins. Research has also shown dolphin pods as large as several hundred members.

These groups are actually called herds or schools. In some cases, these larger groups have been to known to include more than one species that seem to interact well together. The most common association of this type is the Spinner and Spotted Dolphins. As the feeding habits of these two species are quite the opposite, they are able to travel together without competing for food.

Most experts believe that the social relationships formed by dolphins are actually long lasting rather than short term and it has been reported that when dolphins meet other pods or groups, they often engage in a sort of greeting ceremony that suggests they are renewing old friendships. While large groups of dolphins usually have a varied mix of age and sex, the smaller pods tend to be made up of either a single adult, male and female, a group of females and their young or a group of adult and young males. Males are dominant in all groups and there seems to be no evidence that there are any type of strong social bonds between males and females.

One of the most common examples of the social interaction and supposedly of their extreme level of intelligence, is the constant play that dolphins seem to engage in. Experts report that juvenile and adult dolphins often chase each other and toss items such as seaweed back and forth.

Dolphins are often in close body contact with other dolphins through rubbing, petting, and even hitting each other. Dolphins often swim extremely close to each other, often resting fins on the other dolphin. Scientists believe this actually indicates a close friendship. Dolphins have also been reported to rub pectoral fins as if in a handshake.

Another way that scientists study social interactions among dolphins is by their posture. When aggression is indicated, dolphins tend to approach from a direct or perpendicular line. When the approach is non-threatening, a dolphin usually comes from behind or an oblique angle.

Dolphins communicate within their pods and large groups usually shrill whistles. Many scientists and dolphin experts believe that each individual dolphin actually has a unique whistle that identifies him to other members of his pod or group. Dolphins in distress seem to use a whistle that indicates help is needed. The pod or group usually responds quickly.

While we seem to expect that dolphins should be socially involved with their own kind, the dolphins’ interest in interacting with humans came as somewhat of a surprise to most experts. In the wild, dolphins are very curious creatures and will often initial contact with human beings. In captivity, dolphins have become very socialized and attached to their trainers.

All in all, the intelligence level of the dolphin combined with his obvious ability to communicate and his need for social interaction make him an extremely interesting creature. One that most humans would like to get know better.