7 Dolphin Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

It’s World Dolphin Day, so here are a few things you might not know about one of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating animals.

Malta’s surrounding waters are home to several dolphin species, meaning these aren’t just animals we see in documentaries, they’re part of the marine life around our own islands.

Dolphins sleep with one half of their brain at a time. This allows them to keep swimming, surface for air and remain alert to danger while resting.

They have their own “names”. Bottlenose dolphins develop unique signature whistles which researchers believe function much like individual names.

Dolphins can recognise themselves in mirrors. This ability is considered a sign of advanced self-awareness and has only been observed in a relatively small number of species.

Three dolphin species are regularly encountered around Malta. These include the bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin and common dolphin, according to Malta’s Environment and Resources Authority.

The common dolphin isn’t always that common. Despite its name, the short-beaked common dolphin has declined significantly in parts of the Mediterranean.

They’re incredibly social animals. Dolphins live in groups known as pods and can cooperate when hunting, protecting one another and caring for calves.

A dolphin’s echolocation is seriously impressive. By producing clicks and listening to the returning echoes, dolphins can work out the distance, shape and even characteristics of objects underwater.

And if you’ve ever spotted a pod while out at sea around Malta, Gozo or Comino, consider yourself lucky.

Just remember: dolphins are wild animals, so the best encounter is one where they’re given plenty of space to behave naturally.

#MaltaDaily