Since 2011, a small group of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) has been regularly sighted off the coast of the Isle of Lewis. These individuals have not been catalogued elsewhere and are thought to belong to the larger offshore northeast Atlantic population of bottlenose dolphins. 

Individuals are often observed mixing with Risso’s dolphins, including groups containing calves. Twenty-two individuals have been identified to date and of these, six individuals showed intermediatory characteristics of bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins (presence/absence of rostrum, colouration etc.), leading us to believe that these are bottlenose x Risso's dolphin hybrids, although genetic confirmation is still lacking. We continue to monitor this group and endeavour to take photo-id images where possible. 

Watch our Executive Director's TedX Talk 'The Dolphin Dating Game' to learn more.

Relevant scientific publications: -

Hodgins, N.K., Dolman, S.J. and Weir, C.R., (2014). Potential hybridism between free-ranging Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) off north-east Lewis (Hebrides, UK). Marine Biodiversity Records, 7, p.e97.