Unusual Behavior Observed
A solitary bottlenose dolphin, named , has been living in the Svendborgsund channel, , far from its native Scottish population, exhibiting highly vocal behavior despite being alone.
Researchers deployed underwater recording devices, capturing over 10,833 sounds from Delle, including signature whistles, burst-pulses, and low-frequency tonal sounds, suggesting a complex vocal repertoire.
Scientific Perspectives and Theories
The vocalizations lack intentionality, indicating Delle is not communicating with others but possibly engaging in "self-talk" or emotional signaling due to loneliness.
Scientists propose several theories for Delle's vocalizations, including an intrinsic need for social interaction, involuntary emotional signals, or a unique case of a dolphin attempting to communicate in solitude.