Biology

A highly gregarious animal, the striped dolphin may associate in schools of over 1000, but is more usually seen in same-age groups of 100 to 500 individuals (6). It is a very active swimmer, performing leaps and breaching frequently. Communication between striped dolphins is by clicks and whistles (7). The striped dolphin feeds opportunistically, but the diet is mainly composed of cephalopods, crustaceans and fish, particularly lantern fish. The diet varies with geographical location (8). The mating season also varies with region. Males reach sexual maturity between 7 and 15 years and females between 5 and 13 years. The gestation period lasts 12 to 13 months and results in a single calf measuring less than a metre and weighing just 11 kilograms. The calf will stay with the female in a 'mothers-and-calves' school until it is weaned at 16 months. Females typically give birth every four years (6) (9).