(haipo) In an extraordinary sighting yesterday, three different species of dolphins were spotted off the southern and northern coasts in just a few hours. In two separate sightings, common dolphins, common dolphins, and a pod of killer whales, a relatively rare species in our area, were seen. Researchers from Delfis and the University of Haifa were able to identify some of the individuals that were recorded.
Three different species in two separate observations
In just one day, two separate sightings took place that revealed an impressive variety of dolphins along the coast of Israel. Common dolphins were observed in the southern region, and common dolphins were observed in the northern region. However, the surprise of the sighting was the appearance of a pod of killer whales – a species considered rarer in the waters of the region. The combination of three different species in such a short period of time made the event an extraordinary record for researchers and observers alike.
Identifying familiar dolphins – including one that recovered from injury
Researchers from Delfis and the University of Haifa identified two of the dolphins that were recorded in the observations. Among the individuals identified was also a dolphin that had been injured in the past and had recovered from its injury. The individuals were identified based on unique markings on their bodies, a common method among marine mammal researchers for monitoring dolphin populations over time. In addition, one of the dolphins identified is an individual known to the researchers, identified based on its dorsal fin. This documentation provides researchers with important information about the dolphins' health status and their movement patterns along the coast of Israel.
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