Species · GBIF taxon 5220033
Hector's Dolphin
Cephalorhynchus hectoriAlso known as Tupoupou, Tutumairekurai, New Zealand Dolphin
Hector's dolphins are the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world, easily recognized by their distinctive rounded black dorsal fins that resemble Mickey Mouse ears. These highly social cetaceans travel in close-knit pods of two to eight individuals, frequently leaping, tail-splashing, and playing in the shallow coastal surf. They rely heavily on high-frequency echolocation clicks to navigate and hunt in the murky nearshore waters of New Zealand.
MarineEndemicEndangered
- diet
- Small fish, squid, and crabs
- family
- Delphinidae
- threats
- Bycatch in gillnets, marine pollution, and vessel strikes
- life Span
- 20 to 25 years
EN
Safe to observe from a boat or shore; maintain a respectful distance.
Listed as Endangered due to severe population declines caused by accidental entanglement in commercial and recreational gillnets.
Maintain a distance of at least 50 meters, put boat engines in neutral if they approach, and never block their path.- Boat Speed: Maintain a slow, steady speed without sudden direction changes if they approach your vessel.
- No Swimming: Avoid entering the water to swim with them, as this can disrupt their feeding and resting.
- Report Sightings: Document encounters with the Department of Conservation to assist with ongoing population monitoring.