Maui's dolphin
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| Cephalorhynchus hectori maui |
Maui's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) are known to be the world's smallest dolphin. They are a sub-species of the Hector's dolphin.
They are only found throughout the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, and are among that country's rarest such species. As of 2008, fewer than 110 of these remain in the world because of the amount of fishing nets in their area. Maui's dolphins are generally found close to shore in groups or pods of several dolphin. They are often seen in water less than 20 metres deep, but may also range further off shore. Females grow to 1.7 metres long and weigh up to 50 kg. Males are slightly smaller and lighter. The dolphins are known to live up to 20 years. Most of their time is spent feeding. They have also been observed playing (i.e with seaweed), chasing other dolphins, blowing bubbles, and playfighting.
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[edit] Physical description
Distinctive grey, white and black markings and a short snout. They are most easily recognised by their round dorsal fin. Maui's dolphins are generally found close to shore in groups or pods of several dolphins. They have a solidly built body with a gently sloping snout and a unique rounded dorsal fin. (Maui’s and Hector's are the only dolphins with a well-rounded black dorsal fin.)
[edit] Population and distribution
Fishing has had an adverse effect on the Maui’s dolphin population in the past. Some commercial set net fishers have acknowledged that they have occasionally caught Maui’s dolphin by accident in the past. People have often been seeing Maui's dolphin at river mouths. Not very many have ever been spotted in different parts of New Zealand
They are classed by the Department of Conservation in the New Zealand Threat Classification System as "Nationally Critical".[1]
[edit] References
- ^ Hitchmough, Rod; Bull, Leigh; Cromarty, Pam (compilers) (2007), New Zealand Threat Classification System lists - 2005, Wellington: Science & Technical Publishing, Department of Conservation, p. 32, ISBN 0–478–14128–9, http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sap236.pdf.
[edit] External links
- Department of Conservation - Maui's dolphin page
- Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand - Maui's dolphin page
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) - species profile for Maui's dolphin
