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Social object play between captive bottlenose and Risso's dolphins
Hisako Ikeda1, Masayuki Komaba1, Kumiko Komaba1
1Kujukushima Aquarium-Umi Kirara, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.
Plos One
|May 24, 2018
Summary
Two dolphin species, bottlenose and Risso's, were observed engaging in social object play, sharing and exchanging a ball. This study documents novel cooperative behaviors and request actions between these cetaceans.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Social object play is common in many animal species.
- Dolphins are known for their complex social structures and cognitive abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document social object play between two different cetacean species.
- To analyze the interactive behaviors, including object exchange and request actions, during play.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of two bottlenose dolphins and one Risso's dolphin at Kujukushima Aquarium.
- Detailed recording and analysis of social object play involving a ball.
Main Results:
- Two dolphins, a bottlenose and a Risso's dolphin, engaged in social object play, sharing and exchanging a ball.
- One dolphin exhibited a specific request behavior before the ball was delivered.
- This is the first reported instance of social object play between these two distinct dolphin species.
Conclusions:
- The findings demonstrate interspecies social object play and cooperative behavior in dolphins.
- The observed request behavior suggests sophisticated communication and intention-reading abilities in dolphins.
- This study expands our understanding of cetacean social cognition and play.