Hector's Dolphin - description, habitat, lifestyle

Discussed dolphins differ from congeners in small size, speed and swiftness. They are mammals of the genus of beakheads. Such dolphins are also considered the smallest cetaceans. These creatures are the smallest of their kind.

Appearance

1. It is noteworthy that the body length of an adult individual can reach a maximum of 140 cm. In rare cases, this figure may be slightly larger. In this case, the body weight of an adult animal can reach approximately 40 kg.
2. It is curious that the females of such individuals are slightly heavier than the males. However, its average weight is about 45 kg. The male, in turn, has a mass of not more than 35 kg. Often, the animal's forehead, back, muzzle and side are painted gray. In rare cases, black or dark color.
3. In addition, the fins also have a dark color. They stand out strongly against the light color of the whole body.In addition, there are rare individuals with a white color of the muzzle and forehead. The belly is also white. On it you can see the dark stripes that stretch to the tail fin.
4. A characteristic feature of the individuals in question is precisely the rounded fin. It is precisely according to it that it is possible to classify the represented animals accurately. The fin is strongly rejected back. He has a fairly low profile.

Area

1. Discussed individuals live in just one place in the wild. It is the coastal zone of New Zealand. It is in this area that the dolphins feel best. Other places do not suit them. Such animals try to choose warm shallow water for life, which is located practically near the shore.
2. Presented animals do not tend to go into the deep waters, because they do not like currents. Therefore, it is quite comfortable for them to dwell in shallow water. Such an environment is considered their favorite habitat. Therefore, the mammals in question practically do not migrate.
3. Because of this feature, the animals represented are doomed to extinction.Currently, there are only about 150 individuals. At the same time, such mammals are not able to recreate their own population. In addition, in the absence of migration, dolphins are slowly dying out. All over the world there are about 5,000 individuals. They are guarded.

Lifestyle

1. It is noteworthy that the animals represented are quite social. They prefer to live in small families. In them there can be no more than 8 individuals. It is interesting that during the hunt the animals unite in flocks of about 60 dolphins.
2. During hunting, mammals act harmoniously. When communicating animals use special sound waves. Thus, dolphins transmit entire messages. During the hunt they make dives. At the same time they develop impressive speed.
3. The basis of the diet of the animals discussed mainly includes fish, crustaceans and mollusks. The main factor in hunting is precisely the size of the prey, and not its nutritional value. Dolphins with pleasure can eat both anchovies and mackerel. Often individuals hunt cephalopods.

Breeding

1. As for the reproduction of such animals, they reach puberty relatively late. Individuals of the stronger sex are ready to reproduce offspring at the age of about 6 years. Females reach puberty a little later.
2. In the wild, the mammals in question can live for a maximum of 20 years. For such a period of time, females bring a maximum of 4 cubs. Most often, the offspring is born at the beginning of summer. In this case, a newborn baby can weigh up to 10 kg.
3. For the rest, the average duration of the animals discussed is barely 10 years. The female gives birth to the baby in the water, then pushes him to the surface. The cub swallows the first air and makes a loud exclamation. At this time, the offspring remembers the voice of the mother.
4. As soon as an adult individual with its offspring exchanged special sound signals, they become attached to each other. In the future they will be able to correctly recognize each other. In the first years of life, young animals do not swim away from their mother beyond a few meters. During this period, the cubs are completely dependent on the adult individuals.

Presented animals are unique in their kind.However, they are on the verge of extinction. In the wild, there are about 150 individuals. People try to save this species by breeding animals in special places. Such mammals are listed in the Red Book and are protected. The problem is that dolphins do not migrate and reproduce poorly.