Bottlenose dolphins a frequent delight along the Kerry coast

IT should be no surprise that we choose the bottlenose dolphin as one of the special species of Kerry, not just because of Fungie, but because of the considerable numbers of bottlenose dolphin that can frequently be seen off the Kerry coast.
They are probably the most abundant dolphin species we have and are one of 24 species of cetacean (whales, dolphins and porpoise) found in Irish waters.
Dr. Simon Berrow and his colleagues in the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have done wonderful work in highlighting the number of cetacean species in Irish water and their website can be found at www.iwdg.ie
Bottlenose dolphins are frequently observed around the entire Irish coast, but the west coast holds some of the greatest concentrations in Europe. In Kerry, bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in Kenmare Bay, Dingle and Brandon Bay and around the Dingle Peninsula including the Blasket Islands and Smerwick Harbour. In North Kerry, the only resident groups of dolphins in Ireland occurs in the Shannon estuary and they are regularly seen from the cliff walk at Ballybunion. People who use the Tarbert – Killimer car ferry often see dolphins jumping in front of the vessel as she makes her way across the Shannon. If you see dolphins jumping from the water look for a short beak and large dorsal fin as good identification features.
Bottlenose dolphins are long-lived animals, males are thought to live up to 30 years while females can live to 40. The latter do not breed until they are at least 12 years old and will only give birth every two to four years so their reproductive rate is low. Male dolphins have no role in rearing the calf. Mature males often form small groups and will compete to mate with receptive females. Maybe this is the source of the numerous tooth rakes and scars that dolphins carry on many parts of their body.
Because sound travels much better underwater, bottlenose dolphins are quite vocal. They produce a wide range of clicks, whistles, creaks, groans and other noises. Clicks are used for echolocation to navigate and find food, while whistles are used to communicate between dolphins. Each dolphin has its own distinct signature whistle and soon after birth, a mother and calf will learn each other's whistle so they can keep in close contact.
Fungi, the resident bottlenose dolphin in Dingle Harbour is not unique in his desire to swim with boats and humans. There have been at least 65 reported cases of wild, sociable dolphins and every incident is different. Recently there have been sociable dolphins at Fanore in County Clare, Inish Oirr off the Galway coast and for a short period a number of year ago one at The Great Blasket Island. Recognising that dolphins are wild, unpredictable animals that should be respected in their environment is important if these encounters are to remain trouble free for dolphin and humans.