Hobbies And Interests
Variations in Temperature
Shallow water areas frequented by dolphins vary considerably in temperature throughout the year. Additionally, air temperatures range considerably in the northern and southern latitudes where dolphins live, regardless of water temperature. Dolphins seek warm waters, from roughly 50 to 70 degrees, and temperate to warm air temperatures. If these conditions cease due to weather or seasonal changes, the pods temporarily migrate to other locations.
Migrations of Food Sources
Dolphins hunt fish, crustaceans and cephalopods globally. Their generalist food choices let them inhabit ecological niches worldwide, and when one prey species moves out of a pod's range, the dolphins turn to other species. Occasionally, the pod travels with the prey for some distance before turning away in search of other food sources or returning to its home range.
Predator Avoidance
While dolphins generally find themselves at the top of the food chain, sharks attack dolphins and dolphin calves often enough that pods avoid large shark concentrations. For limited periods of time, pods travel outside their home range to protect their young and reduce the chances of shark encounters. In one documented case, 30 percent of the dolphins in Saratoga Bay exhibited scars attributed to shark attacks.
Mating and Breeding Grounds
Evidence exists for some species of dolphins traveling to certain locations to mate. Reasons remain unclear and arriving at a conclusion requires more research and analysis. During birthing season, some species of dolphins seek favorable areas of the ocean. Abundant food, no predators and warm temperatures favor the survival of newborn calves. Expectant mothers gain a reproductive advantage traveling to such areas.