Hectors Dolphin,
The Hector's Dolphin is a native mammal that lives off the west coast of the South Island. Hector’s dolphins are among the world’s smallest dolphins known to man. They are found in the waters of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Hector’s dolphins are known to live to a maximum of around 20 years before death.Like other dolphins, Hector’s use echolocation to find their food. They make high frequency ‘clicks’ that bounce off surrounding sea beds and fish, giving the dolphins a picture of their surroundings. This technique isn't always used the time, which may be one of the reasons why the dolphins get caught in nets.
Are they Herbivores Omnivores or Carnivores?
Dolphins are carnivores mammals that hunt in pods and eat fish.
They eat all fish and no herbs or plants.
Have they been hunted?
No the Hector's dolphin has not been hunted.Traditionally, Maori watched dolphin movements
to predict the weather to see if it is ok to fish. The Maori did not hunt the Hector’s dolphin
How many Hector's Dolphin’s are there,
In the 1970s their population sat at around 29,000. Now there is fewer than 8,000 dolphins are left. The even rarer subspecies of Hector's dolphin, the Maui's dolphin, is under even greater threat. Their population is now estimated to be less than 80 of them, with an adult population of just 55 dolphins remain.
How long can the Hector's Dolphin grow too?
While common dolphins reach about 2.6 metres in length the Hector's dolphins grow to a surprising 1.2 - 1.6 metres, and weigh about 35 to 50 kilograms. They are so small you could fit them into a bathtub!
What do they eat?
Hector's dolphins feed mostly in small groups/pods and are picky feeders. They eat both under and above the surface water. They eat a variety of fish including squid, red cod, flatfish and yellow-eyed mullet. When feeding an average dive is 90 seconds but have been known to dive for 2 minutes.
Conclusion…
Our conclusion is that the Hector's dolphin is endangered
and might possibly become extinct. We are glad they live in New Zealand and are free.
Hopefully the population raises and there will be much more than there already are.
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