Māui Dolphin
IUCN
CR
Basic Information
Scientific classification
- name：Māui Dolphin
- Scientific Name：Cephalorhynchus hectori maui
- Outline：Cetacea
- Family：Delphinidae Cephalorhynchus
Vital signs
- length：1.2–1.5 m
- Weight：40–60 kg
- lifetime：c. 18–25 years (estimated)
Feature
NZ endemic; tiny inshore dolphin; rounded dorsal fin; bold coloration; slow reproduction.
Distribution and Habitat
Shallow, turbid nearshore waters along the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island.
Appearance
Short beak, rounded dorsal fin; compact body with black‑grey‑white patterning.
Details
Māui dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) is a tiny coastal subspecies of Hector’s dolphin, restricted to the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It inhabits shallow, turbid nearshore waters and is listed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Basics
Scientific name: Cephalorhynchus hectori maui
Size: 1.2–1.5 m; 40–60 kg
ID: rounded dorsal fin, short beak, bold black‑grey‑white coloration.
Ecology
Feeds on small fishes, squid and crustaceans; travels in small groups and often forages in surf zones. Slow reproduction (calving every few years).
Threats & Conservation
Bycatch in nearshore gillnets and trawls.
Disease & pollution (e.g., Toxoplasma), underwater noise and coastal development.
Management: spatial bans/restrictions on risky gear, enhanced monitoring, wastewater controls and public awareness.
FAQ
Q1. Relation to Hector’s dolphin?
North Island coastal subspecies, confined to the west coast.
Q2. Field marks?
Small size, rounded dorsal fin, short beak, bold tri‑colour pattern.
Q3. Why CR?
Tiny localized population with slow reproduction and bycatch history.
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