Maui's dolphin
Key Facts
-
Common Name
Maui's dolphin ; Dauphin de Maui (Fr); (Sp)
-
Scientific Name
Cephalorhynchus hectori maui
-
Status
IUCN: Critically Endangered (CR C1, D)
-
Population
Around 100 individuals
-
Location
West coast of North Island
Related Links
Safeguarding 'Te Ika a Maui'
This information has been reviewed.Maui's dolphin, found off the west coast of North Island in New Zealand, has recently been identified as a subspecies of Hector's dolphin. The Maui's dolphin used to be called the North Island Hector's dolphin until 2002, when based on genetic and skeletal differences the subspecies Maui's dolphin was described by Dr Alan Baker. The name of the subspecies is based on the Maori indigenous name for the North Island, which is Te Ika a Maui.
This subspecies is the world's rarest marine dolphin - there are around 100 in the wild - and more than one human induced death every seven years seriously threatens its chances of recovery.
This animal is severely threatened by fisheries bycatch, and recent sensitivity analysis has predicted extinction within the next few decades unless all net fishing (including gillnet and trawl fishing) is banned within its range.
WWF in action for Maui's dolphin
WWF New Zealand advocates for protection of the dolphin through fisheries closures and supports various activities including a community and school awareness programme, a public sightings network, and selected research to inform management (including population surveys and genetic studies).
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.Most of its time is spent feeding, while it also observed to play, for example with seaweed, chase other dolphins, blow bubbles, fight and jump.
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 typeCoastal waters
Biogeographic realm
Australasia
Range States
New Zealand
Geographical Location
West coast of North Island
Ecological Region
New Zealand Marine