Hector's Dolphins
An Endangered Species
Hector's Dolphin
Hector's dolphin, also known as Cephalorhynchus hectori, is a type of dolphin that is currently endangered. Hector's dolphin lives in New Zealand's borders where it's 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit. The latitude is 41.0 S. It is short and stocky, and the smaller the body of a dolphin is, the shorter life span it has. Therefore, Hector's dolphin is almost extinct because it's the smallest dolphin on earth. But what has helped them survive over the years? Well, it has round fins that are black. This physical characteristic is unique and other species of dolphins don't have it. Fins help them swim away from predators like the blue shark and seven gill shark. Also, doesn't have a beak. This another special physical characteristic. But it does have teeth which helps it survive because it helps the Hectors dolphin catch food like crabs and squid. This will also help it survive in the new environment because it's the only way for them to catch food in the new environment. Hector's dolphin likes grouping together to protect each other. As the groups get bigger, they split up. These dolphins also swim in shallow waters. They need to take breaths very often because the size of their lungs is the same size as humans. This is another reason they are almost extinct is because when the hector's dolphin gets caught in a net, they drown. But how can we help? We can stop using nets so we can't drown them. That's one way. This might be able to help prevent them from getting tangled in nets. Or, instead of abandoning nets, people can put away their equipment after using it. We are also polluting their habitat. So we can reuse, reduce, and recycle trash and try our best not to pollute. In the zoo, we can put in a filter to keep the water fresh and clean. This way, we might be able to save Hector's dolphin from extinction.