Calf Independence — Age — Odontoceti (Dolphins)

In dolphins, the age of calf independence ranges from 2 to 5 years. The bottlenose dolphin has the longest dependency period — calves may remain with their mother for up to 5 years — reflecting the intense maternal investment and social complexity of this species. The Atlantic spotted dolphin follows at 4 years. No data are available for Fraser’s dolphin. Risso’s dolphin and the rough-toothed dolphin have the shortest periods at 2 years.

Chart Data Table

Species	Independence age (years)
Atlantic spotted dolphin	4
Bottlenose dolphin	5
Common dolphin	3
Fraser’s dolphin	No data available
Risso’s dolphin	2
Rough-toothed dolphin	2
Striped dolphin	3

References (with hyperlinked sources)

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