Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals, family of toothed whales that include orcas, pilot whales. Found worldwide in shallow seas. Carnivores eating fish, squid. Dolphin coloration varies, generally grey in colour with darker backs.
As climate change causes seas to warm, dolphins are moving to colder waters outside historic ranges. Due to rapidly rising ocean temperatures, dolphins primary food sources are seeking deeper, cooler waters.
Scientists are concerned dolphins will have difficulty adapting as quickly as necessary to find new feeding grounds. Some dolphins live in areas where rivers, oceans meet (brackish waters). Losing habitat as ocean levels rise due to global warming. In 2006, a freshwater dolphin species was declared extinct, attributed to destruction of habitat.
Highly vulnerable as a by-catch in fisheries. Dolphin hunts are common in Japan, Central/South America, South Pacific, West Africa. Seismic blasting in Atlantic Ocean is killing 1000’s of dolphins. Oil, chemical spills contaminate, destroy natural habitats. Micro-plastics, debris absorb toxic pollutants found inside stomachs of dead dolphins.
Dolphins rely heavily on sense of hearing. In murky waters, use echo-location to protect from predators, locate prey, hunt. Sounds from shipping, seismic testing, offshore drilling, military activities, ocean research contributes to noise pollution. Causes confusion, impairment of dolphins hearing. Main cause of mass stranding of dolphins.
Captured for entertainment, display purposes. Tourist attractions offering a chance to interact, swim with dolphins leads to more in captivity. Whale-friendly management practices in fisheries, oil/gas explorations, research, recreational activities would be a blessing for this marvellous marine species.
We can be more responsible, actively recycle for less waste. Not patronise tourist attractions that offer irresponsible animal interactions. Lower our carbon emissions to reduce global warming. Participate in government, private conservation efforts. Actively raise awareness with family, friends, communities.
Critically Endangered:
|
Name
|
Habitat
|
Interesting Facts
|
|---|---|---|
|
Baiji / Yangtze river Dolphin
|
Yangtze River, China
|
Considered extinct after researchers failed to locate a single dolphin
|
|
Maui’s Dolphin
|
Coastal waters of North Island, New Zealand
|
1 of 2 smallest dolphin species along with Hector’s dolphin, Rarest type, population less than 100
|
|
Name
|
Habitat
|
Interesting Facts
|
|---|---|---|
|
Ganges River Dolphin
|
Ganges, Brahmaputra Rivers in India, Bangladesh
|
Current population less than 2000. Mostly blind
|
|
Indus River Dolphin
|
Indus River in Pakistan
|
Only detects light intensity, colour, swims on it’s side
|
|
Hector’s Dolphin
|
Waters of New Zealand
|
Named after James Hector
|
Love dolphins. So playfully curious!