Maui dolphin
The maui dolphin is one of the most endangered species in New Zealand/Aotearoa
Common: Maui dolphin
Scientific:Cephalorhynchus hectori maui
Physical description:The maui dolphin body is speckled with black and white spots and can grow up to the size of 5.5.
Habitat location: maui dolphins are only found in the shallow coastal waters along western shores of New Zealand North Island.
Status: maui dolphins are listed dangerously endangered.
Diet: Māui dolphin feed on a variety of species of fish, such as red cod, āhuru, and sole. They feed throughout the water column, on both bottom-dwelling fish and free swimming prey.
Reproduction cycle: Females have their first calf (baby) between 7 – 9 years of age. They produce just one calf every 2 - 4 years, making population increase a very slow process. Māui dolphins may only be able to grow their population by 2% a year.
Current population numbers: Scientists estimate that just 63 adult Māui dolphins survive today. They are on the brink of extinction. The Māui dolphin population has plummeted from around 1500 in the 1970s, when deadly set nets (also known as gillnets) were widely introduced to our waters.
Reasons for species are endangered: Hector's dolphin is the South Island subspecies, Maui dolphin is the North Island subspecies. They are Endangered due to deaths in fishing nets.
Future outlook: Based on the expert panel's assessment of current threats and expected mortalities, as well as the natural growth rate, our population projection suggests the Maui's dolphin will go extinct in 30 years time
Fun Facts (Maximum of 3): Did you know the body of a maui dolphin is speckled with black and white spots. Did you know female maui's dolphin can grow up to 5.5 feet in length and weighs around 110 pounds. Did you know they have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Conservation measures (what is being done to protect this species): National's policies are driving them extinct.
TASK DESCRIPTION: Today we wrote a informational report about one of the top 10 most endangered species
Kia ora Mahoe,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your very first blog post. I enjoyed reading your report about Maui Dolphins. I had no idea that in just 30 years this species may be extinct! What can we and other New Zealanders do to make sure this doesn't happen? Looking forward to seeing more of your learning on your blog! Take care, Ms. Tapuke