Until the 2025 study published in Conservation Letters, little was known about the full range of the dances these dolphins perform beneath the waves
The Hector’s dolphin population hovers around 15,000. PIC courtesy/Wikimedia
A new study by the University of Auckland has uncovered the astonishing underwater choreography of the world’s smallest marine dolphin, but it may also get them tangled up in fishing gear. Until the 2025 study published in Conservation Letters, little was known about the full range of the dances these dolphins perform beneath the waves.
Researchers shed light on their hidden underwater world, revealing previously unknown acrobatic manoeuvres, deep dives, and feeding strategies. These stunning behaviours highlight the conservation challenges these endangered dolphins face as their population hovers around 15,000.
The study showed that dolphins regularly use areas beyond the protections that scientists had already established based on limited, if not flawed, data. Hector’s dolphins can and will dive to depths where fishing gear may be present. As a result, current protections only partially reduce the risk of bycatch. With the new data, scientists can better assess threats and design more effective conservation strategies by understanding the dolphins’ complex underwater behaviours.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
