From Graham Stone
Your report on two dolphin species banding together is intriguing to say the least (25 July, p 6). It brings to mind an alliance that existed between two species many years ago on the south-east coast of Australia.
Back when whaling was a primitive and dangerous artisanal enterprise, orcas (killer whales) would herd larger species into Twofold Bay for the whalers to slaughter. All the orcas expected in return were the tongues from the killed whales.
This cooperation only existed between a particular pod of orcas and a particular human family. Rival whaling families tried to muscle in on the arrangement but without success.
Highett, Victoria, Australia
