Characterizing the socially transmitted foraging tactic “sponging” by bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops sp.) in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia

A study reveals that bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia, employ a socially transmitted foraging tactic called 'sponging,' distinct from observations in the eastern gulf. This behavior, primarily exhibited by females in deep channel habitats, shows no significant difference in group associate numbers between spongers and non-spongers, unlike previous findings. Spongers were found to forage more frequently and rest less compared to deep-water non-spongers, suggesting variations in activity budgets. The research, conducted through 9 months of boat-based surveys over three field seasons, identified 40 individual spongers and provides insights into within-population foraging variations in bottlenose dolphins.

Kopps, A. M., Krützen, M., Allen, S. J., Bacher, K., & Sherwin, W. B. (2013). Characterizing the socially transmitted foraging tactic “sponging” by bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops sp.) in the western gulf of Shark Bay, Western Australia. Marine Mammal Science, 30(3), 847–863. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12089