A new decade-long study from our partners at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute reveals that bottlenose dolphins in the northern Indian River Lagoon maintain a connection with their mother well beyond weaning and form preferred relationships with siblings and individuals they associated with as calves.
Researchers noted that young dolphins learn “life lessons” from their mothers including how to catch prey and community social behaviors. The study also revealed that the connection could have several conservation implications as researchers were able to gain valuable insight into population health, reproductive success and gene flow.
Our partners at the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute are studying animal behaviors and researching how patterns affect ongoing conservation efforts. To learn more about the study, read here.
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