Animals that name each other…..

It is so good to watch dolphins come out of the water and play with us or do as instructed. Though we are adults, we turn into kids watching them and getting excited. They are known for their playfulness, intelligence, and friendliness. They are attracted by the sailing ships on the sea and try to swim along. They are blind and use echolocation like bats to trace the prey or any obstacles.

Into their life…

They are mammals belonging to Delphinidae (oceanic dolphins), Iniidae, and Platanistialae ( riverine dolphins). There are around 40 species of dolphins around the world that are known to us. They are carnivorous animals and live by feeding on other fishes mostly. They look beautiful with spindle-shaped bodies, beak-like snouts and are generally less than 3 meters long. We can find them in both salt and fresh water from the equatorial region to sub-polar areas all over the world.

Risks and threats

It have face serious issues with noise pollution and are caught using ultrasonic sound. Sometimes, they accidentally get entangled in fishing nets. Construction activities across rivers are also another major threatening issue to their lives. They are captured for their oil which has very special medicinal purposes. Some dolphins are declared extinct while others are threatened under the IUCN red list. In 2019, the Indian government announced “Project Dolphin” to save their lives and protect their habitat.

Interesting facts about dolphins

1. Unlike many other animals, they are found generally in every place.
2. Amazon river is home to 4 species of riverine dolphins which are found nowhere else
   in the whole world.
3. Apart from other threats, they are seriously affected by noise pollution in the water.
4. Dolphins are fast sprinters, so think twice if you wanna race with them.
5. Just like kids, dolphins love to make bubbles in the water and play with them.
6. They give each other unique sounds which they use to call them out as names.
7. They have 2 stomachs, one to store food and another to digest. It seems that
   dolphins are foodies.
8. Dolphins are super cautious. Hence, when they sleep, they turn only one part of their
   brain off. They keep an eye on their team !!!

Dolphins: The Enigmatic Wonders of the Ocean

Dolphins, with their playful nature and remarkable intelligence, have long captured the fascination of humans. These marine mammals, often referred to as the “smiling angels of the sea,” are much more than just charming creatures. They inhabit our oceans, bringing joy and wonder to those lucky enough to witness their graceful antics.

Family and Diversity

They belong to the family Delphinidae and are found in various species worldwide. Some of the most well-known species include the Bottlenose Dolphin, Orca, and Spinner Dolphin. Each species boasts its unique characteristics and is adapted to its specific environment.

Intelligence and Communication

One of the most intriguing aspects of them is their remarkable intelligence. Their brains are highly developed, and they exhibit complex problem-solving skills. Researchers have even found evidence of self-awareness in some dolphin species, further emphasizing their cognitive capabilities.

Dolphins are known for their sophisticated communication skills. They use a combination of clicks, whistles, and body language to convey information within their pods. This intricate language allows them to work together effectively in hunting and protecting each other.

Social Creatures

Dolphins are incredibly social animals and live in pods, which can vary in size from just a few individuals to several hundred. Within these pods, they form strong bonds and work together to hunt and care for their young. Their social nature and cooperative behaviors are awe-inspiring.

Krishna Amrutha(Content writer Intern)
27-10-2023