Ibiza is a beautiful Balearic Island located off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. It has many clear, sandy beaches and a vibrant club scene that attracts numerous tourists every year. Water sports are a popular activity and all of the islands, and invite participants to experience some of the diverse marine life. Bottlenose dolphins are common to the area and are extremely popular for most residents and tourists alike. They are an amazing mammal species and most humans find a special connection with those they encounter. Tourists staying in the best hotels Ibiza often look forward to sightings of these great creatures.
Bottlenose dolphins are commonly considered to be one of the most intelligent non human animals. This is part of the reason they are so loved and respected by humans, and also why protection efforts are popularly supported. They are the most common and easily recognized of the oceanic dolphin species. While they are common in many areas of the Mediterranean, they can also be found in most warm and temperate waters and seas worldwide. They are social creatures and generally live in pods of around 15 dolphins. This is not a fixed number, and their populations sometimes include over 100 members.
There have been numerous tests investigating the intelligence of these mammals. Some of the tests use mimicry efforts, some include self and other recognition and others use object association and categorization. They are generally friendly with humans, and there seems to be a mutual attraction and appreciation. They have been known to assist local fisherman by guiding them to schools of fish. This is a mutually beneficial relationship as the dolphins eat the fish that escape from the nets. They have also been observed to protect humans from possible shark attacks. Humans have also been destructive to the dolphin population, which causes great internationally concern and controversy. One of the most threatening human behaviors is the tuna industry in which many dolphins are inadvertently caught and killed. This has prompted many dolphin protection and advocacy groups to fight for the safety of these wonderful animals.