The Hectors Dolphin has a fading grey body that has white and black marks with a rounded fin on top. It has a curved snout and black surrounding its eyes. It is 1.5m long and weighs 40-60kg. Males are smaller and lighter(in colour) than females.
Life Cycle
The Hectors Dolphin can live up to 20 years. A female gives birth at the age of 7-9 and the calf weighs about 8-10kg. A female can only have one calf every 2-4 years.
Threats
Fishing nets cause grief for the dolphins. The worst type of net is the gill net. There are about 7000 Hectors Dolphins left. The fishing nets are not the only thing that poses a threat. Pollution in the water can cause death to the dolphin, specifically plastic bags and chemicals.
Facts
• Their scientific name is Cephalorhynchus Hectori.
• They are the smallest and rarest marine dolphin.
• Their cousins are the Maui Dolphin
• They’re members of the dolphinidae family
• They are only found in New Zealand waters.
• The Hectors Dolphin breathe fresh air but live in the ocean.
We need to clean up our waters and make stricter fishing laws to protect these precious dolphins.
Be careful what you fish for…
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