Saving the Hector and Maui Dolphins

 Today, we are taking a break from the dinosaur latch kit, because we need dolphin awareness. We are going to talk about the Hector and Maui dolphins. The Maui dolphins are one of the smallest and rarest breed of dolphins, they live of the coast of New Zealand.

LOCATION, POPULATION and PROTECTION

Maui dolphins

According to the Department of Conservation, these dolphins are at a low in population, there are between 45 to 65 Maui dolphins left. According to the Department of Conservation, the Maui dolphins have a conservation status of nationally critical.

Hector dolphins

According to the Department of Conservation, there are about 15,000 Hector’s dolphin older than 1 year, they also live off the coast of New Zealand. Hector’s dolphin have a conservation status of nationally vulnerable.

 Why are their numbers so low?

According to the Department of Conservation, that is because they have a:

• Short lifespan: Hector and Māui dolphins may live until their mid-20s, which is short compared with other dolphins and whales.
• Late maturity: females have their first calf (baby) at 5–9 years of age.
• Low reproduction rate: females produce only one calf every 2–4 years.
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• THREATS TO THE SPECIES

According to the Department of Conservation, Fishing, toxoplasmosis and other diseases, oil and gas exploration, boat strike, mining, tourism and noise are all threats to Hector’s and Māui dolphins.

They need to be Protected. 

WAYS WE CAN HELP

 According to Department of Conservation, are many ways you can help these dolphins, from reporting sightings around the coast to putting cat feces in the bin, not the toilet.

1.Funding

2. Recycling

3.Adopting

4.Raising awareness

5.Keeping an eye on fishing nets to insure that no dolphins get stuck.

Thank you!

I encourage you to take the initiative and save wildlife! I hope you will take a deeper dive into the information about Maui and Hector Dolphins, and learn how you can help.

These animals need protection, please join the fight to save the Hector and Maui dolphins.

Animal loving blogger,

Syd