Hector's Dolphin

Found off the coast of New Zealand, Hector’s Dolphins are the smallest dolphins in the world and the prominent dolphin in the genus Cephalorhynchus. Mostly sighted around the South Island, the world’s rarest dolphins’ features include black markings on the face, stocky bodies and creamy white throat and belly.

Unfortunately, there is a significant decline in their population as trawl fisheries and bottom-set gill nets cause the death of these species. One of the two sub-species of Hector’s Dolphin, Maui’s dolphin, is considered to be a most endangered one. According to the survey conducted by the New Zealand Department of Conservation in 2010-11, the estimated population of these dolphins is 55.

You can help save Hector's Dolphin by donating to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation: