Researchers observed the characteristic circular swimming patterns commonly associated with humpback dolphin mating, capturing a complete copulatory cycle on film for the first time.
Terming as a first-of-its-kind achievement in India, a team of researchers from ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) here has successfully documented the mating behaviour of the Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin (Sousa plumbea) using drone technology.
The study, conducted during 2024–2025 off the Kochi coast, involved drone-based surveys which led to the observation of a pod of four dolphins. The team recorded a three-minute-long video showcasing courtship and mating behaviour, marking an important milestone in marine mammal behavioural research in the country.
The video, which includes visible mating activity lasting approximately 24 to 29 seconds, also revealed distinctive pre-copulatory behaviours.
Researchers observed the characteristic circular swimming patterns commonly associated with humpback dolphin mating, capturing a complete copulatory cycle on film for the first time.
Part of national project
In India, all marine mammals, including the humpback dolphin (locally known as Paandan Panni), are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The species is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List due to ongoing threats to its survival.
The documentation was part of a national project conducted under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana aimed at collecting baseline data on marine mammal populations in Indian waters.
George Nainan, CIFT Director, said the drone footage provides critical insights into the reproductive and social behaviour of these elusive cetaceans and will be instrumental for future conservation-focused studies. The drone-based observation offers a non-intrusive method to gather accurate data on marine mammals in their natural habitat without disturbing their behaviour.
The research team was led by Senior Scientist Prajith K K, and included Paras Nath Jha, Rithin Joseph, Diju Das, Rishikesh, Immanuel and Abu Tahir Sha. The findings have been published in the international journal Regional Studies in Marine Science and mark the first-ever video documentation of humpback dolphin mating behavior in Asia.
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Published on August 10, 2025