Nursery groups are widely recognized as essential social structures that support the successful rearing of offspring. While such formations have been documented in many cetacean species, they are frequently associated with shallow, nearshore habitats. This study examines calf presence within dolphin groups and their associated adaptive strategies to deeper offshore waters along the south coast of Portugal. The focus is on the lesser-studied common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), a species noted for its dynamic and fluid group structure. As no formal threshold exists for defining nursery groups in common dolphins, the term 'calf groups' is introduced. Using observations of calf-initiated behavior, the study identified maternal responses consistent with retrieval behavior, as well as heightened attentiveness from other group members, indicating alloparental alertness. These responses were influenced by group composition, particularly the proportion of calves. The findings offer valuable insights into how common dolphins coordinate calf care in offshore settings. This work contributes to understanding how calf presence may shape group dynamics and adds to the information needed to support decisions on future thresholds for defining nursery groups in this species.
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