The dolphins are among the world’s smallest cetaceans, easily recognised by their distinctive dorsal fin shaped like a Mickey Mouse ear.
Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori hectori) are found only around New Zealand’s South Island. A subspecies, the Maui’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui), lives in shallow coastal waters along the North Island’s western shores.
The species name covering both Hector’s and Maui’s is Cephalorhynchus hectori.
WWF briefing for politicians on Hector's and Maui's dolphin
Dolphin briefing for politicians
New Zealanders have made it clear they want Hector's and Maui's dolphins saved. We are asking politicians to use that mandate and take action now. Read more
...an overview
Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins are New Zealand’s national treasures – these beautiful, tiny marine mammals only live in New Zealand’s coastal waters – nowhere else in the world.
