Latest news with #DrMichaelWeiss
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas use kelp to groom each other, US researchers discover
The Brief Southern resident killer whales have been observed using detached seaweed as tools to rub against each other, a first for marine mammals. This unique behavior, called "allokelping," is thought to strengthen social bonds and maintain skin health among the whales. The survival of these critically endangered whales and their distinctive culture is threatened by declining food sources and warming oceans impacting kelp forests. Southern resident killer whales in the Salish Sea have been observed using detached pieces of seaweed to rub against each other, the first recorded instance of tool-making by marine mammals. This behavior, called "allokelping," may strengthen social bonds and contribute to skin health among the whales. Researchers from the Center for Whale Research (CWR) and the University of Exeter documented the behavior using drone footage. Whales were seen biting off kelp stalks, positioning them between themselves and a partner, and rolling the kelp between their bodies for extended periods. What they're saying "We were amazed when we first noticed this behavior," said Dr. Michael Weiss, CWR research director. He noted that bull kelp is "firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface," making it an ideal grooming tool. Unlike general "kelping," moving kelp for play or to remove parasites, allokelping involves the deliberate creation and cooperative manipulation of a tool by two whales. Dr. Weiss highlighted that the behavior is widespread among all ages and pods of southern resident killer whales, suggesting it's an important part of their social lives. Professor Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter and CWR's executive director, explained the significance of touch in animals, including humans, for moderating stress and building relationships. He suggested that using kelp could enhance this tactile experience and also benefit skin health. Brown algaes like bull kelp also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer additional benefits. By the numbers As of CWR's last census in July 2024, only 73 southern resident killer whales remain. Their numbers are critically low due to declining Chinook salmon populations (their primary food source), pollution, and noise from human activities. Bull kelp forests, where the whales source their tools, are also declining due to rising ocean temperatures. Big picture view Dr. Weiss expressed concern for the population's future. "Under the status quo, all of our projections indicate the population will continue to decline," Dr. Weiss said. He emphasized that losing these whales means losing "a complex society and a deep, unique set of cultural traditions." Professor Croft added that protecting kelp forests may be crucial for preserving this unique culture. The study, titled "Wild killer whales manufacture and use allogrooming tools," was published in the journal Current Biology. The Source Information in this story came from the Center for Whale Research. New US Marshals photos show high-stakes WA manhunt for Travis Decker $79M Seattle-area home is now most expensive listing in Pacific Northwest Seattle's Duwamish River Festival canceled over concerns of ICE agents Seattle to consider issuing $1k fines for illegal graffiti Report states half a million WA drivers have expired tabs To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Drone footage reveals orcas making tools from kelp to groom each other
Orcas, also known as killer whales, have been documented using an ingenious method to groom one another, a new study reveals, by detaching sections of seaweed to provide a communal back scratch. Researchers observed the marine mammals biting off the end of a kelp stalk, positioning it between themselves and a companion, and then rolling the seaweed between their bodies for extended periods. This unique behaviour, akin to a shared massage, highlights the complex social dynamics of these apex predators. The intriguing findings were detailed in a study led by the Centre for Whale Research (CWR), in collaboration with the University of Exete. The paper, published in the journal Current Biology, is entitled: 'Wild killer whales manufacture and use allogrooming tools.' Scientists spotted the behaviour in drone footage of southern resident orcas in the Salish Sea, in the inland waters of the US state of Washington. Whales of all ages were seen partaking in the tool-making, possibly to strengthen social bonds and promote skin health, researchers suggested. CWR research director Dr Michael Weiss said researchers were 'amazed' when they first noticed the behaviour. Several whale species are known to engage in 'kelping' – moving kelp with their heads, fins and bodies – likely for play, or possibly to remove parasites and maintain healthy skin. The new discovery, dubbed 'allokelping', is different because the kelp is selected, trimmed and manipulated by two whales working together. Dr Weiss added: 'Bull kelp stalk is firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface. I suspect these features make it an ideal grooming tool. 'What I find remarkable about this behaviour is just how widespread it is in the population. 'Males and females of all life stages and from all three southern resident pods were seen using kelp in this way. All evidence points to it being an important part of their social lives.' The team observed allokelping on eight out of 12 days included in the study and based on their observations, suspect that this behaviour may be universal in this population. Whales were most likely to pair up to allokelp with close maternal relatives, and those of similar age. Rachel John, a masters student studying animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said: 'This population of whales has been formally studied for 50 years – the best-studied orcas on the planet – and yet major new discoveries can still be made. 'We hadn't noticed 'allokelping' before because the videos being collected from our previous aircraft weren't of high enough quality, but the footage we're getting now shows this behaviour in great detail.' Commenting on the possible reasons for allokelping, Professor Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter and CWR's executive director, said: 'We know touch is really important. 'In primates – including humans – touch moderates stress and helps to build relationships. 'We know killer whales often make contact with other members of their group – touching with their bodies and fins – but using kelp like this might enhance this experience. 'It might also be important for skin health. Whales and dolphins have a variety of strategies to help them slough dead skin, and this may be yet another adaptation for this purpose. 'Brown algaes like bull kelp also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide further benefits to the whales.' Professor Croft said researchers were working to confirm the initial findings and 'investigate the social and skin health benefits of this behaviour'. Other orcas are known to rub their bodies on smooth stone beaches, possibly to remove dead skin and parasites, but the southern resident whales have not been seen doing this. Funders of the study included the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the Orca Fund, a grant making fund created by Wild Fish Conservancy and administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Orcas use seaweed to help scratch each other's backs
Isn't it annoying when you've got an itch on your back that you just can't reach? Well orcas have found a way around that according to researchers. Scientists at the Centre for Whale Research (CWR) and the University of Exeter have observed the marine mammals making seaweed tools to massage and scratch each other's backs with. Dr Michael Weiss from CWR said they were "amazed" when they first noticed the the population of whales has been studied for 50 years, it's the first time the behaviour - called allokelping - has been observed as the cameras haven't been able to record in as high a quality before to see it. Allokelping involves the orcas detaching lengths of seaweed called kelp and biting off the end of it. Dr Weiss describes kelp as "firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface" adding "I suspect these features make it an ideal grooming tool."Once they've shaped it into a tool, they will put it between themselves and another orca and start massaging each other with behaviour was filmed by drones off in the Salish Sea, in the inland waters of Washington in the US. There are whale species where 'kelping' has already been observed. This is where whales move among the seaweed and sometimes wear it like a hat to keep their skin healthy. But allokelping is different because the kelp is specifically shaped by two whales working together. The behvaiour was seen in both males and females of all ages, although they were most likely to pair up with close relatives of their mothers or those of a similar age. Professor Darren Croft from the University of Exeter said: "We know touch is really important."In primates - including humans - touch moderates stress and helps to build relationships."We know killer whales often make contact with other members of their group - touching with their bodies and fins - but using kelp like this might enhance this experience."It might also be important for skin health. Whales and dolphins have a variety of strategies to help them slough dead skin, and this may be yet another adaptation for this purpose."
The Independent
3 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Orcas observed making seaweed tools ‘to massage each other'
Orcas, also known as killer whales, have been documented using lengths of seaweed to scratch each other's backs, a new study suggests. Researchers observed the marine mammals detaching sections of kelp and then using them to massage their companions. The process involves an orca biting off the end of a kelp stalk, positioning it between themselves and a partner, and then rolling the seaweed between their bodies for extended periods. This intriguing behaviour was detailed in a study led by the Centre for Whale Research (CWR), in collaboration with the University of Exeter. The paper, published in the journal Current Biology, is entitled: 'Wild killer whales manufacture and use allogrooming tools.' Scientists spotted the behaviour in drone footage of southern resident orcas in the Salish Sea, in the inland waters of the US state of Washington. Whales of all ages were seen partaking in the tool-making, possibly to strengthen social bonds and promote skin health, researchers suggested. CWR research director Dr Michael Weiss said researchers were 'amazed' when they first noticed the behaviour. Several whale species are known to engage in 'kelping' – moving kelp with their heads, fins and bodies – likely for play, or possibly to remove parasites and maintain healthy skin. The new discovery, dubbed 'allokelping', is different because the kelp is selected, trimmed and manipulated by two whales working together. Dr Weiss added: 'Bull kelp stalk is firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface. I suspect these features make it an ideal grooming tool. 'What I find remarkable about this behaviour is just how widespread it is in the population. 'Males and females of all life stages and from all three southern resident pods were seen using kelp in this way. All evidence points to it being an important part of their social lives.' The team observed allokelping on eight out of 12 days included in the study and based on their observations, suspect that this behaviour may be universal in this population. Whales were most likely to pair up to allokelp with close maternal relatives, and those of similar age. Rachel John, a masters student studying animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said: 'This population of whales has been formally studied for 50 years – the best-studied orcas on the planet – and yet major new discoveries can still be made. 'We hadn't noticed 'allokelping' before because the videos being collected from our previous aircraft weren't of high enough quality, but the footage we're getting now shows this behaviour in great detail.' Commenting on the possible reasons for allokelping, Professor Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter and CWR's executive director, said: 'We know touch is really important. 'In primates – including humans – touch moderates stress and helps to build relationships. 'We know killer whales often make contact with other members of their group – touching with their bodies and fins – but using kelp like this might enhance this experience. 'It might also be important for skin health. Whales and dolphins have a variety of strategies to help them slough dead skin, and this may be yet another adaptation for this purpose. 'Brown algaes like bull kelp also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide further benefits to the whales.' Professor Croft said researchers were working to confirm the initial findings and 'investigate the social and skin health benefits of this behaviour'. Other orcas are known to rub their bodies on smooth stone beaches, possibly to remove dead skin and parasites, but the southern resident whales have not been seen doing this. Funders of the study included the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the Orca Fund, a grant making fund created by Wild Fish Conservancy and administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Orcas make seaweed tools to scratch each other's backs, study suggests
Orcas make seaweed tools in order to scratch each other's backs, a study has suggested. The animals, also known as killer whales, were observed detaching lengths of seaweed and massaging each other with it. The orcas bite off the end of a kelp stalk, position it between themselves and a partner, and roll the kelp between their bodies for prolonged periods, researchers said. The study was led by the Centre for Whale Research (CWR), in collaboration with the University of Exeter. The paper, published in the journal Current Biology, is entitled: 'Wild killer whales manufacture and use allogrooming tools.' Scientists spotted the behaviour in drone footage of southern resident orcas in the Salish Sea, in the inland waters of the US state of Washington. Whales of all ages were seen partaking in the tool-making, possibly to strengthen social bonds and promote skin health, researchers suggested. CWR research director Dr Michael Weiss said researchers were 'amazed' when they first noticed the behaviour. Several whale species are known to engage in 'kelping' – moving kelp with their heads, fins and bodies – likely for play, or possibly to remove parasites and maintain healthy skin. The new discovery, dubbed 'allokelping', is different because the kelp is selected, trimmed and manipulated by two whales working together. Dr Weiss added: 'Bull kelp stalk is firm but flexible, like a filled garden hose, with a slippery outer surface. I suspect these features make it an ideal grooming tool. 'What I find remarkable about this behaviour is just how widespread it is in the population. 'Males and females of all life stages and from all three southern resident pods were seen using kelp in this way. All evidence points to it being an important part of their social lives.' The team observed allokelping on eight out of 12 days included in the study and based on their observations, suspect that this behaviour may be universal in this population. Whales were most likely to pair up to allokelp with close maternal relatives, and those of similar age. Rachel John, a masters student studying animal behaviour at the University of Exeter, said: 'This population of whales has been formally studied for 50 years – the best-studied orcas on the planet – and yet major new discoveries can still be made. 'We hadn't noticed 'allokelping' before because the videos being collected from our previous aircraft weren't of high enough quality, but the footage we're getting now shows this behaviour in great detail.' Commenting on the possible reasons for allokelping, Professor Darren Croft, of the University of Exeter and CWR's executive director, said: 'We know touch is really important. 'In primates – including humans – touch moderates stress and helps to build relationships. 'We know killer whales often make contact with other members of their group – touching with their bodies and fins – but using kelp like this might enhance this experience. 'It might also be important for skin health. Whales and dolphins have a variety of strategies to help them slough dead skin, and this may be yet another adaptation for this purpose. 'Brown algaes like bull kelp also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide further benefits to the whales.' Professor Croft said researchers were working to confirm the initial findings and 'investigate the social and skin health benefits of this behaviour'. Other orcas are known to rub their bodies on smooth stone beaches, possibly to remove dead skin and parasites, but the southern resident whales have not been seen doing this. Funders of the study included the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the Orca Fund, a grant making fund created by Wild Fish Conservancy and administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment.
