In the Field - What the Dolphins Have & Haven’t Taught Me...
My name is Leila Sparti, I'm from Switzerland, and I've recently completed my Master's degree in Biology, specialising in Conservation and Biodiversity. After several years dedicated to studying, analysing data, and writing my thesis, I wanted to experience another side of scientific research: fieldwork and studying animals in their natural environment. This is what brought me to Mozambique, where I am currently volunteering at a dolphin research centre. During these first two weeks, I have had the opportunity to discover different aspects of dolphin behaviour and social organisation. Among the individuals I have encountered, one in particular has caught my attention: Rob.
Determining the exact origin of these marks can be challenging. Rob is easily recognisable thanks to a large white mark on his side. He is also regularly observed alongside two other males, Tik and Dylan, with whom he has maintained a long-term association for several years. This type of relationship is well documented in certain dolphin species, particularly bottlenose dolphins, where males can form stable social alliances that sometimes last for many years.
However, it was Rob's distinctive white mark that particularly sparked my curiosity. This mark is a scar from a previous injury, possibly caused by a shark bite. One species known to cause this type of injury is Isistius brasiliensis, commonly known as the cookiecutter shark. Despite its small size, this predator has a unique feeding strategy: it removes pieces of tissue from larger animals, leaving characteristic circular wounds that can develop into persistent scars after healing (Nijmeijer).
Determining the exact origin of these marks can be challenging. In non-invasive research, scientists do not physically examine the dolphins and must rely primarily on photographs and repeated observations. However, injuries can have various causes, including interactions between individuals, predator attacks, or human activities. Dolphins may also accumulate scars throughout their lives, making their interpretation even more complex. Nevertheless, these physical characteristics are valuable tools for scientific research. Photo-identification allows researchers to distinguish individuals based on features of their dorsal fins, such as their shape, notches, and distinctive markings. By recognising dolphins over time, scientists can investigate their movements, social relationships, and use of particular areas without the need to capture or handle them.
Left: Another example of a scar, Right: An example of two different dorsal fins that can be used for identification. This is mature female Adot with her most recent babe.
This experience has also helped me better understand the concept of conscious and respectful interactions with wild animals. Although I was already familiar with the importance of minimising human disturbance through my studies, seeing these principles applied in the field has given me a deeper understanding of what they involve. Dolphins must always have the freedom to approach, move away, or choose not to interact. It is therefore essential not to chase, touch, or feed them, in order to preserve their natural behaviour as much as possible and reduce potential health risks.
These first two weeks have shown me how fascinating, but also how complex, studying wild dolphins can be. Through Rob, I have discovered that a simple scar can provide clues about an individual's past, while also raising questions that cannot always be answered.
This leaves me with one question: How much can we truly understand about an animal's history and behaviour through observation alone, without interfering with its natural environment? This is both one of the most interesting aspects and one of the greatest challenges of studying and conserving wild dolphins.
Thank you Bwild, Thank you DolphinEncountours.Org, Thank you the team!!!
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