Hector's dolphin

Introducing New Zealand's endemic dolphin

Hector's dolphin is endemic to the coastal waters of New Zealand, where it is threatened by fisheries bycatch, pollutants and boat disturbance. Recent surveys estimate the total abundance at about 7,400 animals, fragmented into at least four genetically isolated groups, three of which occur in the South Island.

A small isolated group of dolphins remains on the west coast of the North Island. These have recently been declared a subspecies called Maui's dolphin, and in total number around 100 individuals. Hector's and Maui's dolphins are related to similar species in South Africa and South America.

Action has been taken to protect the dolphin from fishing by closing part of the dolphin's range on the West Coast North Island to gillnetting, and by setting an allowable level of fishing-related mortality for part of the East Coast of the South Island.

WWF-New Zealand advocates increased protection of the dolphin through government fisheries and conservation decisions, and supports a community and schools awareness programme (currently for Maui's; a South Island programme is in development). It also carries out research to inform management, including a public sightings network for Maui's dolphin via a dedicated website and toll-free number; aerial surveys for distribution and abundance; genetic research; and brings together organisations which are working to protect Hector's dolphin.

WWF's objectives for Hector's dolphin and its subspecies Maui's dolphin are that by 2009, threats have been reduced to a level that allows the species to begin increasing in abundance, extending the range of Maui's dolphin and reducing isolation of Hector's dolphin populations.

Physical Description

A rare and small cetacean, this dolphin is identified by a solidly built body with a gently sloping snout and a unique rounded (mickey mouse ear shaped) dorsal fin. Hector's dolphin takes its name from New Zealand zoologist Sir James Hector, who first collected the species in 1869.

Size
Adults measure between 1.2-1.4 m and weighs up to 50 kg.

Colour
The sides and back of this dolphin are light grey, with white "flames" reaching up along the sides of its body. The underside is whitish, while the face, flippers, the dorsal fin and tail are all black. There is a crescent-shaped black mark between eyes and blowhole.

Habitat

Major habitat type
Coastal waters

Biogeographic realm
Australasia

Range States
New Zealand

Geographical Location
North and South Island

Ecological Region
New Zealand Marine

Endemism

Coastal waters of New Zealand.