Southern Right Whale Dolphin, Mahia

[Michael Szabo]

A rare southern right whale dolphin stranded at Mahia beach left locals in wonderment. This rare dolphin shares its name with the southern right whale because both lack a dorsal fin. Mahia Department of Conservation ranger Helen Jonas said “these unique dolphins are rarely seen at sea so to find one in Mahia is quite remarkable.”

This species seems to live further offshore in cooler waters. New Zealand sightings tend to be off the south eastern coast. They can also be found off southern Australia. DoC marine technical adviser Hannah Hendriks said this species had not been well surveyed and they had no population estimates, however, this is anecdotal evidence of sightings decreasing around Kaikoura. They are ranked as data deficient in the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

“For this rare dolphin to be found alone, where it usually travels in large pods, is concerning and can indicate the individual was unwell,” said Ms Hendriks. The dolphin was a male measuring 1.88 metres long, which suggested it may have been a juvenile, as they can grow to 2.3 metres.

Link to Gisborne Hearld report; http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/local-n ... o4VVjKb9Uk

[Neil Fitzgerald]

Cool looking critter.
"Unfortunately, it was in poor condition and was euthanised due to its injuries."