Māui dolphins

The Māui dolphin, or Cephalorhynchus hectori maui, is a small, ocean-dwelling dolphin species endemic to New Zealand. This unique species is one of the world’s rarest dolphins, and is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to its limited distribution and population size. 

The Māui dolphin is the only species of its kind, and is the smallest and rarest of all the world’s dolphins. The Māui dolphin is named after the Māori demigod, Māui, who is believed to have created the islands of New Zealand. It is a small species, growing to an average length of 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) and weighing between 40 and 60 kilograms (88 and 132 pounds). It is also the only dolphin species to have a distinct coloration, with a black dorsal fin, white ventral side, and white spots on its back and sides.

The Māui dolphin is endemic to the coastline of New Zealand and can be found between the North and South Islands, particularly along the west coast. It is a coastal species, spending most of its time in shallow waters near the shore, particularly in estuaries and harbors. 

The Māui dolphin is a social species, living in small pods of between 2 and 10 individuals. They typically feed on small fish such as anchovies and sprats, as well as squid, octopus, and crustaceans. The Māui dolphin has also been observed playing with seaweed and seagrass. Several hundred Māui dolphins were previously alive, but their numbers quickly decreased starting in the 1970s, partly due to the fact that they were being trapped in fishing nets. There is now a new effort that intends to create a drone that can use artificial intelligence to detect and follow the now estimated 63 Māui dolphins that are still present off the west coast of New Zealand (Borissenko, 2021).

The Māui dolphin is threatened by a variety of human activities, such as fishing and boat traffic. Bycatch from gillnets and trawling nets is the greatest threat to this species, as the Māui dolphin is unable to detect the nets and can become entangled and drown. Pollution and habitat destruction caused by coastal development are also a threat, as this species is heavily reliant on healthy and intact habitats. 

The Māui dolphin is protected by a variety of laws and regulations, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1978, which prohibits the killing and harassment of these dolphins. In 2008, the New Zealand government enacted a ban on setnet and trawling fishing in the Māui dolphin’s range, as well as establishing marine protected areas. These regulations have helped to reduce the mortality rate of this species, but further action is needed to ensure its long-term survival. 

The Māui dolphin is an iconic species for New Zealand, and is a source of pride for its citizens. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore the species, and to ensure its long-term survival. With continued protection and management, the Māui dolphin can thrive and be an important part of New Zealand’s marine ecosystem.

Resources:

Department of Conservation (N.D.). Māui dolphins are one of the rarest and smallest dolphins in the world. They are only found on the west coast of the North Island in New Zealand. Retrieved 05.07.23, from  https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-mammals/dolphins/maui-dolphin/ 

Constantine, Rochelle and Roe, Wendi (10.18.2021). The critically endangered Māui dolphin is a conservation priority – we shouldn’t let uncertainty stop action to save it. Retrieved 05.07.2023, from   https://theconversation.com/the-critically-endangered-maui-dolphin-is-a-conservation-priority-we-shouldnt-let-uncertainty-stop-action-to-save-it-167987  

Animalia (N.D.). MĀUI DOLPHIN. Retrieved 05.07.2023, from  https://animalia.bio/mui-dolphin 

Borissenko, Sasha (04.25.2021). New Zealand turns to drones to halt Māui dolphin extinction. Retrieved 05.07.2023, from  https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/25/new-zealand-turns-to-drones-to-halt-maui-dolphin-extinction