Hector’s dolphin, the smallest marine dolphin in the world, only became a focus of scientific interest in the last several decades. Scientists are astounded by its phenomenal aquatic capacities. It is the second-smallest cetacean species at just 1.4m long. For the roboticists at RoboValley in the Netherlands, it makes awesome flips underwater and can dive down to 120 meters deep. Native exclusively to the coastal waters around New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 15,000 Hector’s dolphins inhabit this region.
In a pioneering study, scientists used tracking devices to learn about the underwater activities of Hector’s dolphins. The results help illustrate the dolphins’ unusual feeding behavior. Together, they highlight the dolphins’ dexterity and expertise in maneuvering through their underwater world.
Unique Feeding Habits
Hector’s dolphins have some amazing feeding behaviors too, like upside-down foraging near the sea floor. This strategy enables them to feed on prey that lives in the benthic zone. On sub-surface, when foraging, they go into deep modes, diving and surfacing in pursuit of fish prey. Monitoring the dolphins’ echolocation clicks is important to understand navigation and prey detection.
When pursuing fish, the echolocation clicks develop into a clear buzzing sound, a crystal clear indication of their determination and purpose. This unusual behavior is a testament to their complex predatory adaptation. This enables them to track and capture their prey successfully high or low, even in complex or obstructive terrain.
“There are some seriously impressive dives,” – Dr. Ilias Foskolos.
Diving Depths and Habitat
Hector’s dolphins prevalence and ability to dive down to 120 meters is impressive for such a small marine mammal. Researchers are thrilled to have discovered their diving patterns. They’re trying to learn, of these depths, what influences their behavior and survival. Now, these dolphins have been documented ranging out to 15 kilometers off shore. This remarkable distance emphasizes their flexibility to different marine ecosystems in their small range.
This research provides an interesting glimpse into how Hector’s dolphins prioritize energy conservation on long dives, while still showing how they hunt effectively underneath the surface. By using tracking devices, scientists have created animations that visually represent the dolphin’s dives, paired with the sounds of their echolocation clicks. This new and creative approach has allowed us to develop a much deeper understanding of how these whimsical creatures are interacting with their ever-changing environment.
Conservation Efforts
As that research proceeds, experts stress the need to better understand the risks posed to Hector’s dolphins. With continued threats from fishing gear interactions and increasing vessel traffic, the ongoing monitoring is imperative for their conservation.
“Despite this being a preliminary study, we can clearly see the value of the DTAG for understanding risks such as interactions with fishing gear or vessels,” – Constantine.
Researchers claim that more in-depth studies are needed to better improve conservation efforts for Hector’s dolphins. To understand them, we have to study how they act across a variety of spaces. This will better enable us to develop successful interventions to reduce risks and increase their persistence.
“It’s important to continue this work to better understand how to minimize the risks to the dolphins and to know how they behave in other locations,” – Constantine.