River dolphins observed spraying urine in social behavior study in Brazil

arstechnica.com February 3, 2025, 09:00 PM UTC

Canadian biologists observed male river dolphins in Brazil engaging in unusual behavior. They documented 36 instances of dolphins spraying urine up to 3 feet into the air, often in the presence of other males. This behavior may serve a social function, possibly related to communication among the dolphins. The researchers suggest it could be a form of chemical signaling rather than just a natural need. The study highlights a unique aspect of dolphin behavior, which may relate to territory marking or social interactions. The findings were published in the journal Behavioral Processes.


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