“Hooligans”. Scientists have discovered that dolphins attack and steal manatee babies
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Scientists have found evidence of the aggressive behavior of bottlenose dolphins towards young Antillean manatees and other animals.
It turned out that dolphins often and deliberately attack manatee babies, bite, chase and even steal them from their families.
The corresponding study was published in the scientific journal PLOS One, writes Live Science.
“We see bottlenose dolphins acting like bullies and being cruel to other species,” – said co-author of the study, professor of biological sciences at Florida International University Jeremy Kishka.
| Photo: kylieellway/Depositphotos |
The team of scientists recorded at least 10 cases of dolphin aggression towards manatees. Most of such cases fall on the period from 2015 to 2020.
The victims of the attacks were both orphaned animals and babies who were with their mothers.
Scientists noticed that dolphins even attacked porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and killed them. In addition, they bit their own young.
Why are dolphins so naughty?
One of the reasons for the aggressive behavior of dolphins can be banal curiosity when a manatee appears in the field of view, says Eric Angel Ramos, a scientist from the International Fund for Nature and Sustainable Development (FINS).
“Because dolphins are often aggressive towards each other, they may show similar behavior to other species, such as manatees.”– the scientist told Live Science.
According to Jeremy the Cat, dolphins usually become aggressive when they see other animals as potential competitors.
If someone encroaches on their food or space, the dolphins will attack.
At the same time, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) themselves have a wide range of emotions – from grief to a sense of their own “self”.
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| Manatee photo: Galen Rathbun/USFWS Digital Library/Wikimedia |
Currently, scientists do not fully understand the motives of the attacks, but will continue to study the behavior of dolphins.
Jeremy Kischka adds that if dolphins suffer from climate change and human activity, their hostility may increase.
Let us remind you that Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) are a subspecies of American manatees, herbivorous mammals that live under water.
The species is under threat of extinction in its range – near the Atlantic coast of the American continent.
These animals can be found in marine, brackish and fresh waters from southeastern Texas to northeastern Brazil. And near Belize, manatees can be threatened by collisions with ships.
Scientists will work to discover all the causes of manatee mortality. This will help protect the vulnerable species.
Read also: In Japan, dolphins injured four people on the beach
Anna Stopenkoespecially for “UP. Life”
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