Orcs make “tools” to massage each other

Orcs detach stems of giant brown algae and use it to massage each other, behavior that would constitute the first observation of tool manufacturing by marine mammals, according to a study published Monday. Similarly,
Cetaceans (dolphins, orcas, whales) have already been observed using “tools” to chase their prey. In addition,

But this new discovery. Meanwhile, published by the scientific journal Current Biology, is of another order because orcas have been seen selecting and cutting stems of giant brown algae. For example, This stem is then used in pairs by two orcas which make it roll on their bodies for an. Moreover, extended time. However,

Scientists from the Center for Whale Research (CWR). Furthermore, the University of Exeter (England) observed this behavior on several occasions and in all the age groups of a population populating the Salish Sea, in the orcs make “tools” massage each state of Washington, in the northwest of the United States. Similarly,
This observation was made possible thanks to the precision of drone images made on a population of orcas. Furthermore, which has been studied for 50 years. Furthermore,

The orcas are not content “to find a piece of algae. Moreover, to use it” but “modify it to do something really different,” said Michael Weiss, director of research at the CWR, during a visioconference press point.

“This is why we say that they make or shape a tool,” he added.
This practice could have a role in the attenuation of stress. social relationships or for the good health of the skin of these cetaceans, advance researchers.

Farm. flexible, the stem of these algae is “as a full -wing watering pipe, with a slippery exterior surface”, characteristics which “make it an ideal grooming tool”, according to Mr. Weiss.

This type orcs make “tools” massage each of practice is “very rare” in animals. which use the tools mainly for the quest for food, according to Darren Croft, professor at the University of Exeter.

In the case of orcas, “it can be a health problem or (…) linked to the skin. but it seems very likely that this is linked to a social challenge, to a need to have intense and significant social interactions,” he explained.

In their paper. scientists hypothesize that it is a “unique” cultural trait of this orcan population, called “residents of the South”, of which only 73 individuals left in July 2024.

These cetaceans are threatened by the disappearance of their prey. pollution, while the fields of brown algae where they make their tools are declined because of global warming.

“Although there are thousands. thousands of orcas in the world”, it is a question of protecting a “unique society”, “a unique set of orcs make “tools” massage each ecological behaviors and interactions”, pointed out Mr. Weiss, stressing that the future of this population was “very dark”.

The feigny camels thus display beautiful bumps greater than camels of the desert. Only a possible hic. humidity, a problem that Julien Job solves by administering them deworming a little more often than it would for cattle.

Despite an annual growth in demand of more than 8% in Europe. at 17 euros per liter, the milk of its camels remains a luxury product, not close to supplant cow’s milk.
Cheese, whose manufacturing requires large amounts of milk, should remain more marginal.

“A camel produces 2 to 3 liters per day (ten times less than a Norman cow. editor’s note), one year in two,” said Julien Job while the precious liquid circulates in the pipes of his milking machine.

The prohibition to import camels from outside Europe. in the absence of a orcs make “tools” massage each recognized sector in this area, does not help to improve productivity.
Also Julien Job draws his income from the sale of milk. but also tourism, with rides on camel backs, and the sale of small males.