Hector's dolphin

Hector's dolphin is a small dolphin found only in New Zealand waters. Its rounded dorsal fin and restricted range distinguish it from other dolphins.

Cephalorhynchus: A genus of small dolphins found in coastal waters of the Southern Hemisphere. Hector's dolphin is one of four species in this genus.
Echolocation: Biological sensing that uses reflected sound to locate objects and navigate. Hector's dolphin uses clicks to find prey in often murky coastal water.
Hector's dolphin subspecies: The South Island and North Island forms of Hector's dolphin, the latter known as Maui dolphin. These geographically separated populations differ in conservation status and abundance.
Bycatch: The accidental capture of non-target animals during fishing. Entanglement in fishing nets is a major human-caused threat to Hector's dolphins.
Population viability analysis: A method for estimating the likelihood that a population will persist under specified conditions. It helps assess whether protection can prevent further decline in small dolphin populations.
Maui dolphin: A critically endangered subspecies of Hector's dolphin living off New Zealand's North Island. It is the North Island form of the species and has an especially small population.
Dolphin communication: The vocal and behavioral signals dolphins use to coordinate and interact. Clicks and whistles accompany the species' social interactions and acoustic sensing.
Hector's dolphin identification: Field recognition of Hector's dolphin using its size, markings, and rounded dorsal fin. Its distinctive fin and black, white, and grey pattern help distinguish it at sea.
Gillnet: A fishing net that catches fish when they become entangled by their gills or bodies. Gillnets can trap dolphins that cannot surface to breathe.
Marine mammal survey: A systematic effort to estimate the distribution or abundance of marine mammals. Survey methods affect estimates of how many Hector's dolphins remain.

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