Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are highly intelligent marine mammals known for their complex social structures and advanced communication skills. They inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide and are among the most studied cetaceans. Bottlenose dolphins use signature whistles to identify and communicate with one another, functioning similarly to names. They exhibit tool use, such as using marine sponges to protect their rostrums while foraging on the seafloor, and display behaviors indicating self-awareness, including mirror recognition. Their diet primarily consists of fish and cephalopods. This is a resident species in Faro area. In our region, both “oceanic” and “coastal” ecotypes are present. As of 2025, 3 different pods are known to venture inside Ria Formosa Natural Park for foraging purposes.