"'This unique overhead perspective for observing and documenting near-surface behaviour is just one of the ways drone technology is transforming the study of wildlife biology,' said Dr Alec Burslem, lead author of the study."
"'It's exciting to think about what as-yet unseen behaviours we may soon uncover, as well how more headbutting observations may help us to shed light on the functions the behaviour may serve.'"
"'I turned around and saw him about one hundred rods [approx. 500 m] directly ahead of us, coming down with twice his ordinary speed of around 24 knots, and it appeared with tenfold fury and vengeance in his aspect,' explained Owen Chase, First mate upon the Essex."
Scientists from the University of St Andrews have captured footage of sperm whales headbutting each other using drone technology. This behavior, previously only documented in 19th-century accounts, was observed in the Azores and Balearic islands. The purpose of this headbutting remains unclear, but researchers aim to gather more observations to understand its function. Dr. Alec Burslem noted the transformative impact of drone technology on wildlife biology, expressing excitement about uncovering more unseen behaviors in the future.
Read at Mail Online
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