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The joint hunting of humans and dolphins in Laguna (Brazil) demonstrates a unique example of interspecific cooperation that increases the efficiency of food acquisition for both species.
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus) and local fishermen work in tandem to maximize their catch. In the murky waters of the estuary, dolphins herd schools of mullet into shallow water, where the fishermen wait for a signal—a thump of their tails on the water or a sudden dive. This interaction allows the dolphins to easily access the fish caught in the net, and for the humans to catch their prey more efficiently.
Through the use of drones, researchers discovered that Dolphin coordination during hunting is a key factor in successThree elements of their behavior play an important role: the distance between individuals, the consistency of movement trajectories, and the synchronization of dives. When these factors combine, the probability of a successful catch for both species increases significantly.
According to environmentalist Mauricio Cantor, "This is a rare example of two predators interacting, combining their unique skills.". The joint hunt confirms the dolphins' ability to adapt to human activities, which, according to biologist Bruno Diaz López, "demonstrates the high level of cognitive abilities of these marine mammals".
Further research, including artificial intelligence modeling and physiological data analysis, could deepen our understanding of this interaction. Kantor believes that "Such cooperation is a vivid example of mutually beneficial relationships between humans and nature".
Dolphins and humans hunt fish together in Brazil appeared first on Curiosity.
