Rare dolphin calves good news for future of species

The sighting of rare Hector's Dolphin calves in Christchurch's Akaroa Harbour is good news for a species that is on the endangered list.

Paul Bingham Managing Director of Akaroa Harbour cruise operator Black Cat explains "dolphin calves are the future of a rare species.

"It's always exciting to see them in the harbour. You can clearly see the calves' stripes from being folded up inside mother's tummy and they able to swim as soon as they are born.

"Mothers, their calves and other females form small nursery pods which can be witnessed from cruise boats."

Bingham said that no human swimming was allowed with dolphin calves but that their mothers did sometimes bring their young offspring into close proximity to the large catamarans, perhaps aimed at teaching them how to interact.

Bingham adds "we need to raise awareness of the Hector's dolphins, and the fact that they are rare and endangered.

"The fact we have new born calves in the harbour is exciting news and is good for the future of the species."

The Hector's Dolphin is classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Because of its coastal habitat and slow reproductive rate they are particularly vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear, especially gill nets.

Dolphins live for up to 20 years but females only produce one calf every two to four years and do not start breeding until aged seven to nine years.

20th April 2012 - NEW ZEALAND TOURISM OPERATOR LAUNCHES TECHNOLOGY THAT TALKS TO DOLPHINS

4th April 2012 - RARE DOLPHINS BOOSTED BY SOUTH ISLAND SEA SANCTUARY

31st Augsust 2011 - ACTIVISTS RALLY FOR RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA DOLPHIN RELEASE