Researchers Find Orcas Using 'Allokelping' as a Skincare Tool Through Drone Images in Salish Sea

The monitoring of the critically endangered southern resident population of orcas in the Salish Sea has provided some interesting revelations. Drone footage captured many orcas in the region carrying small pieces of kelp. Further investigation showcased that the kelp could be part of a self-care routine that they followed. The analysis also revealed that the orcas were possibly forging the kelp tool. The fact that these mammals were not only using but also manufacturing the tool indicated that orca whales had much better cognitive capability than was previously believed. Findings regarding these observations were published in Current Biology. 

Unique use of Bull Kelp

Behavioral ecologist Michael Weiss, research director of the Center for Whale Research in Washington State and the study's lead author, claimed that many orcas in the region were recorded swimming around with bull kelp. These orcas were mostly in pairs when they were handling the algae. The mammals pressed the kelps against each other, which made researchers speculate that the pair was possibly grooming one another. Using kelps is a common behavioral pattern amongst the orcas, as several pairs of these mammals were observed doing some variation of it across multiple days. Weiss believes that it could be a social practice of sorts amongst mammals. 

The researchers noted seven orca pairs snapping the ends of the bull kelp and later pressing their stalks between each other. In the eighth pair, the experts saw that the orcas took a kelp from the kelp mat and started using it. They did not change it like the previous ones, possibly because they deemed it suitable. All the pairs swam through the water with their bodies pressed together. Researchers watched them rolling the kelp back and forth on each other for extended periods. Based on past investigations, which indicated that some species of cetacean, like orcas, play amid seaweed flotillas to maintain healthy skin by releasing parasites and dead cells, researchers claimed that actions associated with bull kelps could also be for the same purpose.

First of Its Kind - Allokelping

The finding stunned researchers, as this practice of using tools has rarely been observed in the animal kingdom, according to CNN. In the few instances it was noted, the animals were either pursuing mates or finding food. The orcas seem to be doing neither of these. Instead, they are supposedly using bull kelp as a form of skincare. It is the first time a species of cetaceans has been observed using a tool for grooming. Scientists dubbed these behavioral patterns involving bull kelps by orcas as "allokelping." Researchers believe that apart from skincare, another possible theory is that the practice helps them bond with each other.

Experts believe that the practice has been observed in this region, as skin lesions, like gray patches, have become common amongst southern resident orcas residing in the region. Allokelping could be a way used by this group to treat these lesions. Researchers also observed that the pairs exhibiting this behavior were close relatives. So, another implication that could be drawn was that the orcas were strengthening their relationship through this practice. Similar to the customs followed in human societies, these orcas may also have their unique traditions.

Is Allokelping specific to the Southern Resident Orcas Population?

Orcas have been identified as a single species, but they have distinct populations amongst them, according to Science Alert. Similar to humans, these populations have specific habitats, dietary strategies, and dialects. The populations are categorized as ecotypes. Experts have even detected physical and genetic differences in these ecotypes, and they also do not perform any sort of intermingling or interbreeding. In other ecotypes, allokelping has not been observed. The other groups typically groom themselves without using any tools, and rub themselves on places like pebble beaches. Experts believe the Southern Resident populations suffered from lesions that encouraged them to improve their grooming practices, bringing in a tool like bull kelp.

Weiss believes that the findings show how little humans know about orcas. The fact that they were able to incorporate a tool for their personal needs is indicative of their elevated cognitive ability. Researchers are now keen to delve more into allokelping. "More research is very much needed to better understand the development and function of this behavior. We are very interested to see how allokelping might impact other social behaviors as an indication of a function in social bonding. We're also keen to conduct a more detailed analysis of allokelping and skin condition over time to determine what benefit the behavior is giving the whales," Weiss shared.