Dolphins
South Asian river dolphin
See all species Although they now live in separate Asian river systems, the Ganges and Indus River dolphins look identical because they share a common ancestor. They are currently categorised as subspecies and scientists are considering the evidence that they have evolved into two species. Sadly, both are endangered; there are only one to two…
Read MoreAustralian snubfin dolphin
See all species Almost cartoon-like in appearance, it’s impossible to resist a smile when you see the beautiful Australian snubfin dolphin. Up until 2005, Australian snubfin dolphins were believed to be an isolated population of the equally charming Irrawaddy dolphins. Now we know that they are in fact their own separate species and researchers are…
Read MoreMelon-headed whale
See all species Not actually a whale, and with no actual melons. Well, not of the fruit variety anyway… A member of the dolphin family, little is known about the regal melon-headed whales. Usually found far offshore beyond the continental shelf, they are most often spotted in the waters around the Philippines and the Hawaiian…
Read MorePacific white-sided dolphin
See all species Energetic, acrobatic and extremely social, the beautiful Pacific white-side dolphins are a sight to behold. Similar in appearance to their relatives, dusky dolphins, these vivacious souls are found gracing the waters of the North Pacific. Other names: Hook-finned porpoise, White-striped dolphin, Lag, Pacific-striped dolphin Male Female Calf Maximum length 2.5m 2.4m Unknown…
Read MoreCommerson’s dolphin
See all species Commerson’s dolphins have unique black and white colour markings and are easy to recognise; they are nick-named panda dolphins. Baby Commerson’s dolphins are not black and white, they are grey all over and change colour as they get older. Commerson’s dolphins show typical dolphin curiosity towards humans and will readily approach boats…
Read MoreTucuxi
See all species South American fresh-water dolphins, tucuxi are as enchanting as they sound: playful, vivacious and highly social. Known as the ‘other dolphin’ of the Amazon, there is still a lot to be learned about tucuxi, including their range. Part of the Sotalia genus, the two supposed-populations have now been recognized as separate species:…
Read MoreLong-beaked common dolphin
See all species Previously considered as one species, in 1994 the common dolphin was separated into short and long-beak varieties. However, advances in science suggest the initial classification was correct and the common dolphin is in fact one species, which shows considerable variation throughout its large range. Other names: Common dolphin Male Female Calf Maximum…
Read MoreWhite-beaked dolphin
See all species White-beaked dolphins continue to be hunted and taken for food throughout their range. Most worryingly, where hunts are known to take place, there are no restrictions or quotas of any kind. Other names: White-nosed dolphin; Squidhound; White-beaked porpoise Male Female Calf Maximum length 3.1m 2.83m 1.1m Maximum weight 350kg Unknown 40kg IUCN…
Read MoreHourglass dolphin
See all species The hourglass dolphin is the only small dolphin regularly found south of the Antarctic Convergence, the line where cold and warm water meets. Other names: Southern white-sided dolphin, Wilson’s dolphin Male Female Calf Maximum length 1.8m 1.9m 1m Maximum weight 120kg 120kg Unknown IUCN conservation status: Least Concern What do hourglass dolphins…
Read MoreShort-beaked common dolphin
See all species Previously considered to be one species, in 1994 the common dolphin was separated into short and long-beak varieties. However, advances in science suggest the initial classification was correct and the common dolphin is in fact one species, which shows considerable variation through its large range. Other names: Criss-cross dolphin; White-bellied porpoise; Short-beaked…
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