The following short note was published recently:

Parra, G.J. 2007. Observations of an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin carrying a sponge: object play or tool use? Mammalia 71(3): 147–149.

Abstract

Wild and captive delphinids are known to carry animate and inanimate objects on their rostra, melons, fins and tail flukes. Here I describe a sponge carrying event by an adult Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and discuss the potential functions of this behaviour in light of the observations made. The observations took place on November 9, 2006, during boat based surveys of coastal dolphins in the Hinchinbrook Channel (18^o 16’S, 146^o 04’E), northeast Queensland, Australia. The preliminary observations suggest the humpback dolphin was using the sponge, in some unknown way, while foraging. Humpback dolphins feed on a wide variety of estuarine fishes including bottom-dwelling species that posses serrated spines able to harm and kill dolphins. It is feasible that the humpback dolphin may have used the sponge as a “protective glove” while searching for food in the bottom. Future research is needed to assess if the behaviour described here is an isolated/random case or a foraging specialization involving tool-use.

If you would like to receive a PDF copy, please email me: g.parra@uq.edu.au

Thank you.

Guido

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Guido J. Parra, PhD

Postdoctoral Fellow

School of Veterinary Science

University of Queensland

St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia

Ph: (07) 3365-3066 Mob: 0437630843

Fax: (07) 3365-1255 Email: g.parra@uq.edu.au

Webpage: http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/index.html?page=47564&pid=47559

Behavioural Ecology Research Group: http: //www.uq.edu.au/berg/

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