Hector's dolphin  (Cephalorhynchus hectori)

Endemic to New Zealand waters, this species is found on the west and east coasts of South Island, and only in a very small area off the west coast of North Island (6). Following surveys carried out in 1984 to 1985 the total population was estimated at 3,000 to 4,000 individuals, only around 2,000 of which were mature (1).

Inhabits coastal waters such as river mouths and shallow bays (7). They very rarely venture further out than nine kilometres from the coast (5). They prefer shallow waters and may enter estuaries and swim slightly upriver (4)