New Zealand's Maui's Dolphin
The Plight of the World’s Smallest, Rarest Marine Mammal
With only 110 Maui's dolphins remaining in the wild, supporters fear they will soon vanish altogether. Learn about this unique marine mammal and what you can do to help
Not many people will have heard of the Maui’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) as the larger, more recognisable breeds, such as the popular bottlenose dolphin, tend to steal all of the limelight. However, the Maui’s dolphin, sometimes referred to as a ‘Hector’s dolphin’, is struggling for survival. Not only is it the most endangered dolphin, it is the most at-risk marine mammal in the world. There are only 110 left, on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, and there is a high chance of them slipping into extinction in the very near future.
A Unique and Beautiful Animal
The Maui’s dolphin is the smallest dolphin in the world. They are easily distinguished by their grey, white and black markings and short snout. According to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, Maui’s dolphins are also one of the only types of dolphins to sport a ‘well-rounded black dorsal fin.’ Following are a number of other Maui’s dolphin facts:
- They are smaller than other kinds of dolphins with the females growing to 1.7 metres long and weighing up to 50kg. Males are a bit smaller and lighter.
- They feed on small fish and crustaceans off the ocean floor, taking short 90 second dives to reach their prey. Favourite foods include mullet, cod and squid.
- They live for an average of twenty years.
- They are incredibly active and playful and take great pleasure in leaping from the sea and crashing onto their sides!
- Maui’s dolphins live in family ‘pods’ of about two to eight in number
- Female Maui’s reach adult maturity when they are between seven and nine years of age. They only produce one calf every two to four years.
Threats
Back in the nineteenth century, the Maui’s dolphins were spread all around the coastline of the New Zealand North Island. Sadly, numbers have dwindled over the years and they are now found in only a few areas of New Zealand.
It is unfortunate that most of the Maui’s dolphin’s woes have developed as a result of crossing paths with humans. Set fishing nets are a major problem for the Maui’s dolphin. The dolphins often become tangled in the nets and die, when they come up from under the water to breathe. Accidents involving boats also kill and maim a large number of Maui’s dolphins.
As well as having to withstand human-induced threats such as pollution, trawling, tourism, sand mining and construction, the dolphins must also cope with all of the usual natural threats such as disease, parasites, breeding problems and climate change. The Maui’s dolphin certainly doesn’t have an easy life...
What Can We Do?
People living in New Zealand can assist the dolphins by reporting dead or stranded animals to the DOC (Department of Conservation) immediately. This can be done by phoning 0800 362 468. Kiwis can also help out by resisting the temptation to swim with the dolphins or throw food to them and by not throwing rubbish into the sea. Owners of boats should also be extremely careful when they are sailing in areas known to be frequented by Maui’s.
Individuals living outside of New Zealand can do their bit by ‘adopting’ a Maui’s dolphin for $30 ($23USD or 12 GBP). The money goes towards efforts to protect this rare and wonderful creature.
