![]() Threats to Dolphins and Other Marine Life Shallower waters, mild winters and a variety of prey are required for meeting the needs of these animals.Įnsuring that this region is able to provide a safe habitat for both dolphins and the marine life they prey upon is a very important concern. The species of dolphins that are most commonly found in this area enjoy the warmer waters and more abundant food supply that can be found in a tropical and sub-tropical climate. Newborns suckle for a period ranging from 17 to 20-months, and are usually looked after by their mother for a number of years following their weaning.įemales are able to reproduce on average once every two to six-years. While twins may be possible, they are rare when compared to the far more numerous single births. Mating occurs belly to belly, with a gestation period for newborns averaging about 11 – 13 months. Breedingĭolphins have a breeding season, with competition for available females creating contention within the males of the species. The highly intelligent nature of these animals has made possible a complex and highly evolved social structure, one that many have found to be surprisingly complex and nuanced. The social relationships, cooperative hunting techniques and complex dynamics that dolphins enjoy shape many aspects of their daily lives. The size and social organization of these groups can vary greatly, with smaller groups of only two or three adult males and larger pods of female and juvenile dolphins numbering fifteen or more being fairly common. Social Structureĭolphins are social animals, and can be found in both small and large groups, known as pods. The diet of dolphins can encompass a wide range of prey ranging from common fish like mackerel and herring to more exotic species like eels and even squid.ĭolphins are very effective hunters, using their larger size, superior intelligence and social hunting techniques in a variety of different ways.ĭolphins are able to enjoy a great variety of fish and other marine life when it comes to finding a meal, and whole pods of dolphins can often be seen in the area when on the hunt. More plentiful in number than other species, the bottlenose dolphin has a blue-gray coloring and lighter shading along its flanks and belly.įinally, the Atlantic spotted dolphin can be found in tropical and sub-tropical waters ranging from the coast of Florida to the Indian Ocean the darker coloring and stouter beak serve to identify this species. The common dolphin, recognized by its shorter beak and counter-shaded coloring is a common enough sight off the coast of Florida, but it is by no means the only type of dolphin that can be found in the area. The warm waters and abundant food of this region has made it an ideal area for a number of different dolphin species. Learning a little more about these animals, and the issues that may affect them, can provide you with a deeper appreciation for the natural world as well as a greater understanding of the issues and problems that may be putting marine life at greater risk.Įnsuring that these animals and the ecology of the region are able to enjoy a brighter and more secure future is not an issue that should be left to chance. The different species of dolphins that can be found in the waters of Florida have long been a popular attraction for residents and visitors of the area alike. ![]()
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