Male dolphins who play together as juveniles are more successful as adults, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Western Australia and the University of Bristol in the UK. The research, part of the Shark Bay Dolphin Project, spanned over 32 years and focused on the behaviour of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay.
The study revealed that young male dolphins with strong social bonds tend to engage in reproductive behaviours during play, which ultimately leads to higher reproductive success as adults. Lead author Dr. Katy Holmes explained that the time spent practicing these behaviours in play predicted the number of offspring the male dolphins would sire in the future.
These play behaviours include mimicking herding females, imitating low frequency vocalizations, and using “pops” to attract females. The study found that male dolphins form close bonds with other young males through play, which later helps them secure female mates as adults. By practicing these behaviours in a playful setting, young dolphins become more successful in their reproductive efforts.
Pairs of young male dolphins with stronger social bonds were observed to coordinate their play behaviour to mimic mature adults, suggesting that social relationships formed during play are crucial for reproductive success. Dr. Stephanie King, the senior author of the report, emphasized the importance of play in preparing wild animals for adult behaviours.
The findings of the study shed light on the significance of social play in the development of young dolphins and its impact on their reproductive success as adults. The Shark Bay Dolphin Project continues to explore the complex interactions between behaviour, communication, genetics, and ecology in marine life, with researchers from Switzerland and the UK collaborating closely with the University of Western Australia.