Paired Alliances

An alliance is defined as a union that is formed for mutual benefit (Oxford English Dictionary 1994). Alliance formation is rare, except in primate and dolphin species (Connor, Smolker and Richards 1992).

Male bottlenose dolphins begin to form alliances once in the subadult groups. These alliances appear to last quite long, and are very stable. As mentioned earlier, males in alliances appear to have a larger home range than do solitary males (Pryor and Norris 1991). The ability to cover a larger area may arise as a result of the alliance. For example, the alliance may convey additional protection (ie-safety in numbers) thus allowing greater risks (ie-venturing further from known areas). As well, suggested by Pryor and Norris (1991), close associations may allow for turn taking. For example, one dolphin may remain vigilant while the other is allowed time to rest (Pryor and Norris 1991).

Alliance formation not only conveys benefits to foraging and safety, but also to securing mating partners. Observations of Sarasota Bay paired alliances show that pairs of bottlenose dolphins may intrude into a female band to "fish out" a female (Pryor and Norris 1991).

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