Dolphins can emit hundreds of different cries

New research shows that the Araguaia river dolphin has a very diverse and complex communication system.

Araguaia river dolphin , Brazil's rare native species has long been thought to be creatures who like to live alone and without the ability to communicate complicatedly because their social structure does not require it. However, according to a recent study by scientists at the University of Vermont, this mysterious animal can emit hundreds of different sounds for communication purposes.

Araguaia river dolphin can emit hundreds of different sounds for communication purposes.

"They are more capable of social interaction and create more sound than we thought before. Their voices are very diverse , " said Laura May Collado, a biologist at the University of Vermont. .

Scientists have so far only learned very little about the Araguaia river dolphin because it is difficult to catch and access them in the wild. The estimated number of species does not exceed 1,500 individuals. Therefore, their studies are still limited.

Fortunately, the team found a fish market in the town of Mocajuba, where the Araguaia river dolphins often visit because of feeding. They use cameras and underwater recording devices to monitor their interactions.

The results were unexpected when in just 20 hours of recording, scientists identified 237 different cries used by Araguaia river dolphins to communicate. The team believes that their sound system is even more diverse than what was recorded.

Much of the Araguaia dolphin's cries are short calls, used for communication in close proximity. Meanwhile, long cries appear infrequently and can be used to maintain distance between team members.

Araguaia dolphin (Inia araguaiaensis) is only recognized as a new species since 2014, distinguished from its close relatives, the Bolivian river dolphin and the Amazon river dolphin. This species lives mainly in the Brazilian basin of Araguaia - Tocantins.

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