Researchers have captured male humpback dolphins presenting females with large marine sponges in an apparent effort to mate.
Scientists from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences conducted a decade of boat-based research on coastal dolphins across north-western Australia.
Their first observation was between a male and female dolphin and her calf.
The male dolphin dived down to remove a large marine sponge fixed to the seafloor, balanced it on his beak and pushed it toward the female.
The use of objects in sexual displays by non-human mammals is rare and the researchers believe it could be a display of the male’s strength and quality as a mating partner.
Lead author Dr Simon Allen from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences, said the findings suggested an as yet unrecognised level of social complexity in humpback dolphins.
“We were at first perplexed to witness these intriguing behavioural displays by male humpback dolphins, but as we undertook successive field trips over the years, the evidence mounted,” Dr Allen said.
“Here we have some of the most socially complex animals on the planet using sponges, not as a foraging tool, but as a gift, a display of his quality, or perhaps even as a threat in the behavioural contexts of socialising and mating.”
It’s the first time the behaviour has been documented in this species.
Next the researchers hope to determine whether or not presenting sponges and engaging in sexual displays improves an individual’s chance of mating success.
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