A dolphin thought to be a hybrid between two species has been spotted in waters off the west coast of Scotland. Experts believe the animal, which was seen around the Outer Hebrides, could be a cross between a Risso’s dolphin and a bottlenose. It’s the latest in a series of suspected hybrid dolphins seen in the area over the past few years. Potential hybridisation between free-ranging Risso’s dolphins and bottlenose dolphins was first reported by researchers from Whale and Dolphin Conservation off north-east Lewis, where seven sightings of atypical dolphins were photographed in the area between 2010 and 2013. Further sightings have also been made in more recent years. The latest sighting was by Peter and Rach Hazlehurst, close to the shore near the Butt of Lewis lighthouse on 15 May. They were able to take photographs of the unusual animal, which was part of a pod of bottlenose dolphins that also included one adult Risso’s dolphin. There were three calves in the group, one of which resembled a Risso’s dolphin but was swimming close to an adult that at first glance looked like a bottlenose due to its markings. However, on closer inspection, the animal was seen to have a shorter beak and more rounded and pronounced head shape than normal bottlenose dolphins – features more typical of a Risso’s. Mr Hazlehurst said: “There were dolphins swimming around and feeding, and we were there taking photos when we realised we had captured Risso’s dolphins swimming in association with bottlenose dolphins. “We are still buzzing from this incredible encounter. What a great day we had. Source The Scotsman Credit photo ©P.B Hazlehurst #hybriddolphin #,dolphins #lovetheoceanandeverythinginit #leavedolphinsalone
