New Discovery reinforces intelligence and social culture of orcas, observed by cleaning itself with “brushes” of seaweed
Orcas Southern Pacific residents, on the west coast of North America, were observed by manufacturing and using tools – a very rare behavior in the marine animal kingdom.
Researchers at the Whaling Research Center (CWR) in Washington recorded the orcas creating brushes with seaweed and using them to rub each other in a possible hygiene ritual.
Discovery thrilled researchers
- “Discovering that these whales were not just wearing, but also making tools was incredibly exciting,” said CWR.
- The behavior was caught by drones and involved males, females and young and adult individuals – especially those with greater skin exchange or signs of dermatological problems.
- Weiss pointed out that the use of algae seems to be a common practice among the orcas in the region, but that it was only now detected, even after almost 50 years of continuous monitoring.
- “This shows how much to learn about these animals and how new observation technologies expand our findings,” he said.
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Marine life continues to surprise
The discovery adds to other curious behaviors already recorded, such as the use of living salmon such as “hats”. According to scientists, this practice is not linked to hunting, but to the social culture of these orcas, considered a genetic and ecologically distinct population.
The research was published in Current Biology.
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Leandro Criscuolo is a journalist graduated from Cásper Líbero College. He has worked as Copywriter, digital marketing analyst and social networking manager. Currently, he writes for the digital look.
