09.09.2024 – Marine women day

Today was one of those special, fantastic, great experiences at sea. A smooth sea, resting animals, no other boat in the vicinity. But as if that wasn’t enough … there were incredible encounters with the group of at least 15 Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). These huge toothed whales were very calm and relaxed. Every now and then there was activity, such as tail slaps to communicate or a spyhop (head is stretched out of the water). The Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) were also in resting mode. Only the small calves were in a playful mood, turning on their side, stretching their flippers upwards, waving them and making their sweet sounds. Both species have at least three things in common. Firstly, their favourite food is squid; secondly, they have a gestation period of 16 months; thirdly, they live in a matriarchy. The Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were also in the best of moods.

Animal matriarchy refers to social systems in which females assume the dominant role within a group. This form of social organisation is rarer in the animal world than patriarchies or egalitarian societies, but does occur in some animal species, particularly those with highly developed social structures. On land and in the air, elephants, lemurs, hyenas, ants and honeybees are among the species in which a female has a significant role in the leadership of the society. In the marine world, it is Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Orcas and Pseudo-orcas. Matriarchy in animals often develops in social groups where experience, co-operation and care are crucial. Although it is not as common in the animal world as other social structures, it shows how gender roles can adapt according to ecological and social conditions. Matriarchal animal societies demonstrate that in many cases females can play the key role in the organisation and survival of a group.

There were also Sperm whales and Pilot whales on the lunch tour. The sea was a little more agitated and so were the animals.

To our petitions: https://www.lobosonda.com/marine-protection/

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

13:30 Sperm whales, Pilot whales

Stenella

09:30 Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales, Loggerhead turtle

14:00 Sperm whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales

17:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales