The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin is known to have a contiguous presence along Maharashtra’s Arabian Sea waters. The species prefers shallow zones less than 30–35 metres deep and often enters larger estuaries during high tide
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Raigad-based wildlife researcher and photographer Shantanu Kuveskar recently documented a rare sighting of Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins off the Raigad coast.
Speaking to mid-day, Kuveskar said, “These Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins are regularly sighted along the Raigad coastline. I often observe them at Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan and occasionally at Diveagar. They typically pick fish from fishermen’s nets along the rocky shores. We spotted this group during a fishing trip over the weekend, and I quickly launched my drone to record the sighting.”
The Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin is known to have a contiguous presence along Maharashtra’s Arabian Sea waters. The species prefers shallow zones less than 30–35 metres deep and often enters larger estuaries during high tide. Owing to this shallow-water habitat, fishermen frequently spot them from boats as well as from the shoreline. Their local names vary across coastal regions.
Winter sightings are fairly common. Tourists travelling between Ferry Wharf and Mandwa, or from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves, often report seeing them. Sightings have also been recorded along Mumbai’s west coast—from Girgaum to Nariman Point—and in May 2018, the species was observed between Madh Island and Versova jetty. Pods have even been documented off Marine Drive, as the species favours coastal shallows and often moves in groups.
A marine biologist noted that while sightings do occur, they are not very frequent, and it is usually local fishermen who encounter them from time to time.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins inhabit coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, rocky reefs, lagoons and shallow protected bays, with a strong preference for waters less than 25 metres deep. Across much of their range, they remain poorly studied, and despite multiple threats, conservation action has been limited.
Locations where Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins are known to appear near Mumbai and surrounding areas include Juhu, Worli, Versova, Madh Island, Gorai, Uttan, Uran, Elephanta Island, Alibaug, Murud, Palghar coast and Virar.
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