There are many different marine mammals to be seen off Madeira’s coast. Today we had two beautiful resident species, our Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus). These two species often found together.
The Pilot whales, which together with the Orcas are among the largest dolphins, were at rest for a large part of our time together. As marine mammals live in a fluid element, their body systems had to adapt to these conditions. The many nerve endings placed around the blowhole allow the animal to sense exactly when it is safe to breathe. This requires a constant conscious state. This is why all marine mammals are conscious breathers. However, nature always provides creative, well-adapted solutions to such challenges. In this case, one half of the brain is at rest while the other is active. After a while, the resting side changes. It’s amazing how perfectly nature works. We, as part of this incredible structure, can marvel at such observations of the animals and the entire system of nature. What a gift that we are able to perceive all of this. And isn’t it also a form of respect for nature to appreciate what we encounter out there?
At midday there were more Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins. And a surprise! Seven or eight Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)! Today it was possible to observe several of these large toothed whales as they dived. They raised their flukes majestically and disappeared into the depths. The photos showed that the animals had bite marks from orcas.
When Sperm whales are attacked, they form the so-called margarite formation. This is a fascinating and rarely observed behaviour in Sperm whales which is used especially in case of danger or threat. It is used to protect young animals or injured individuals in the group. This formation is named after the daisy flower, as the whales adopt a circular arrangement that is visually reminiscent of the petals of a daisy. In this formation, the Sperm whales position themselves around a central, usually endangered individual (e.g. a young or injured whale). They form a circle with their heads pointing inwards and their tails pointing outwards. The centre animal is thus protected by the bodies of the other whales. The adult Sperm whales use their powerful flukes to fend off potential attackers, such as Orcas. The tail blows of a whale of 20-50 tonnes are extremely powerful and can be potentially fatal for a predator such as an Orca. The marguerite formation also illustrates the strong social bond within Sperm whale groups. They act collectively and coordinate their movements to protect weaker members. This is an expression of the cooperative behaviour.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:30 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins
13:30 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins
Stenella
09:30 Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins