The Marine Connection recently launched its Lone Rangers Report which focuses on solitary dolphins and whales and includes recommendations for their welfare and protection. In recent years there has been an increase in their occurrence within the UK and as a step towards increased protection, the charity is calling for better legislation to make sure that these individuals are given the protection they need.
We do not as yet fully understand their solitary lifestyle, whether it is by choice or through a variety of environmental or man-made pressures but we do know that whether temporary or permanent there have been over 91 cases to date, worldwide.
The most frequently occurring species of the solitary cetacean is the bottlenose dolphin –other solitaries have included orca, beluga whales, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, spotted dolphins, dusky dolphins, tucuxi and even a narwhal. There does not appear to be any trend in the proportion of male or female individuals which become solitary just as there is no pattern to their occurrence, with individuals being found the world over, in every ocean and in many seas.
The report examines the phenomenon of the solitary cetacean – the lone rangers of the sea, in detail. It examines some of the theories behind their existence, considers the process of habituation and the threats to both the cetacean and humans. By reviewing all known cases to date and the current protective legislation the report makes recommendations for their protection in both the short and long term.
