Dolphins in Australia use sponges to master fish hunting
- Dolphins in Australia, specifically in Shark Bay, exhibit a rare and specialized hunting behavior by wearing sponges on their beaks.
- This sponge hunting skill is taught from mother dolphins to their calves and requires years of practice to master.
- Despite the significant challenges posed by this technique, it reveals the dolphins' ability to adapt and efficiently catch fish.
In Shark Bay, Australia, some dolphins have developed a sophisticated hunting method that involves wearing marine sponges on their beaks. This unique technique allows them to effectively forage through rocky seabeds to flush out fish like the barred sandperch. The behavior is not instinctive; rather, it is a learned skill passed down from mothers to their offspring, taking years to master. Researchers have discovered that only about 5% of the dolphin population in this area practices this sponge hunting, highlighting its rarity and the considerable training required. The dolphins face challenges with their echolocation capabilities while utilizing sponges for hunting, as the sponge can muffle sounds used for navigation, making the hunt more challenging than it appears. Nevertheless, those that succeed in mastering the technique demonstrate a high degree of adaptability, overall efficiency in catching fish, and an impressive transfer of knowledge between generations. With this innovative strategy, dolphins show both their intelligence and their ability to adapt to their environment, leading to success in obtaining food despite the obstacles they face.