Français
Español
English
Portuguese
The dolphins seen on Sunday were identified as members of the common bottlenose dolphin species.
By Pesach Benson, TPS
In a rare and remarkable marine encounter, Israeli scientists documented three generations of dolphins in a single photograph during a routine survey this week off the coast of Tel Aviv, the University of Haifa announced on Wednesday.
It marks the first time such a sighting has been recorded since the long-term monitoring project began 25 years ago.
The photo, taken on Sunday during a survey led by Delphis Association volunteer Meital Markovitch, shows a well-known female dolphin named Hawks swimming alongside what appears to be her grown daughter and a newborn calf — presumed to be the third generation.
The image offers unprecedented insight into the social structures of local dolphin populations.
“When I saw the photo, I couldn’t believe it,” said Kim Kobo, a researcher at the University of Haifa who has been studying dolphins in the area as part of her academic work.
“We recognize few calves after they leave their mothers. Seeing Hawks with what we believe is her daughter and a new calf is incredibly exciting.”
Hawks has been known to researchers since at least 2018, when she was first observed with a calf. She was again spotted with another pup in 2021.
According to Kobo, this latest sighting suggests one of those calves may now be a mother herself.
The dolphins seen on Sunday were identified as members of the common bottlenose dolphin species (Tursiops truncatus), which is the most frequently observed dolphin species along Israel’s Mediterranean coastline.
“The common dolphin is not endangered, and our monitoring shows the population consists of about 360 individuals,” explained Dr. Mia Elser from the Delphis Association.
Delphis is an Israeli non-profit organization dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals.
The long-term study, led by Dr. Aviad Sheinin, has relied heavily on collaboration between the University of Haifa’s Maurice Kahn Marine Research Station and the Delphis Association.
In recent years, trained volunteers have become an integral part of the research, assisting in marine surveys aimed at tracking population dynamics and individual dolphins over time.
Adult bottlenose dolphins typically range from 2-4 meters in length and can live up to 40–50 years in the wild. They typically live in pods ranging from 2-15 individuals.
In Israel, bottlenose dolphins are not endangered, but are classified as a protected species.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
