09.04.2019 – Shorties

After encountering a large herd of interactive Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) this morning, our traditional boat set out on a rather windy Atlantic ocean together with our zodiac this afternoon to meet a group of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), who showed little interest in our boat and were traveling swiftly west.

While both these toothed whale species are very different in their appearance, their social dynamics and their behavior towards boats they have a very particular thing in common. Each of the genus groups, Delphinus and Globicephala, contain two species with slightly different features and distribution. For the common dolphins the “others” are the Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) and for the pilot whales the Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas).

In contrast to the widely distributed Short-beaked common dolphin, the Long-beaked common dolphins have a more restricted range occurring in shallow, warmer temperate coastal waters. While the species has the same hourglass pattern decorating its flanks as its taxonomic cousin, its beak is slightly longer, a feature that is difficult to determine out at sea. These dolphins can occur along the west and southern coasts of Africa, as well as California, Mexico, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The Long-finned pilot whale received its name from its unusually large pectoral fins that almost stretch over half its body length. As with the common dolphin they are very difficult to distinguish out at sea from their close relatives with their populations even overlapping in some areas, such as the North Atlantic.

For now our team has not had confirmed encounters with either of these alternative species which isn’t surprising considering their distribution. However, in a time where our planet is experiencing a ever-changing climate and ocean conditions we can also expect some changes in cetacean distribution. Let’s see what the future brings and perhaps one day we will have the pleasure of meeting the charismatic cousins of our Short-finned and Short-beaked friends.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Short-beaked common dolphins

14:30 Short-finned pilot whales

Stenella

15:00 Short-finned pilot whales