Pontos (in Ancient Greek: Πόντος, Pontos) is a character from Greek mythology. He is a primordial god of the sea, also known in Roman mythology.
Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) are the most distinctive dolphin species inhabiting the waters of the Gulf of Taranto. They are recognized for their large size (3.5-4 m in length), globular head, and extensive white scars that, over the years, cover their body. Through fights with other adult males, courtship of females, and battles with large squid, which they feed on, Risso’s dolphins acquire numerous wounds that over time become indelible tattoos.
For years, knowledge about this species in the Mediterranean has been limited due to the low number of sightings. Therefore, the Mediterranean population of Risso’s dolphins was classified as DATA DEFICIENT in the red list of endangered species compiled by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Only recently, in 2021, sufficient data has been collected to establish that this species in our seas has undergone a reduction in numbers of over 10% in the last 30 years. The Gulf of Taranto has become one of the points with the highest number of sightings in the entire Mediterranean (up to 53 in a year during 2019). These sightings and collected data have been fundamental to acquiring new information about their distribution and habitat use, as well as studying their behavior, interaction with plastic, and other anthropogenic impacts present in the sea.
Pontos is a very independent and curious young dolphin. He doesn’t have many scars on his dorsal fin yet, but he has a large scar on his back that makes him easily recognizable. Probably due to an encounter with a large animal such as a shark, this scar is evidence of Pontos’ strong character. Pontos enjoys studying us by coming under the boat and following the catamaran’s wake in the classic behavior of bowriding