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Why are Hector dolphins dying?
This means that both species face extinction in the wild. Human induced threats are the main problem for both species. Boat strike, mining, construction, coastal development, pollution, marine tourism, marine farming and climate change are all hugely dangerous for Hector’s and Maui’s.
What is being done to save Hector’s dolphin?
Eliminating commercial and recreational gill-netting and trawling across the species’ range is the only way to save Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins without exception. Scientists and conservationists have been calling for a New Zealand-wide ban on gill and trawl nets in waters up to 100m depth for more than two decades.
Why is it important to save Hector dolphins?
Hector’s dolphins have been reduced to less than 25% of their numbers in the 1970s and there are fewer than 60 Māui dolphins). If we don’t fight for them, these beautiful souls will soon be gone forever. Hector’s dolphins hold the record for being the rarest and smallest marine dolphin in the world.
How many Hector’s dolphins are left 2020?
How many Hector’s dolphins are there? Hector’s dolphins are classed as “nationally endangered” with their population thought to be around 10,000.
Why is the Hector’s Dolphin on the decline?
Hector’s dolphins continue to decline because protection measures are inadequate. Unless things change, the species will become extinct. But in the absence of fisheries bycatch, Hector’s dolphins could recover to 15,000 within a few decades.
How many pairs of teeth does a Hector’s dolphin have?
They have 26 to 32 pairs of small, conical teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Hector’s dolphins occur in small groups averaging two to four dolphins and up to 20 dolphins.
How are Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins being killed?
Entanglement in gill and trawl nets has devastated Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins to near extinction and is killing them faster than they can breed. Since the introduction of nylon filament nets in the 1970s, Hector’s dolphin numbers have dropped from 29,000 to less than 7,000.
Where does the Hector’s dolphin live in New Zealand?
About the Species. One subspecies, C. hectori hectori, with the common name of Hector’s dolphin, occurs in the waters around the South Island of New Zealand. The other subspecies, C. hectori maui, commonly referred to as the Māui dolphin (or Maui’s dolphin), occurs only in waters off the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand.