These are classified as carnivorous meat-eating organisms that typically prefer colder water environments. There are currently 36 species of dolphins identified, including 4 species of river dolphins. Of these 36 species, approximately 14 are believed to be endangered and 1 is thought to be extinct. A few of these species are highlighted below to answer the question, "Are dolphins endangered? Though this freshwater dolphin species has not been officially listed as extinct, it has not been encountered since The delay in officially labeling this species as extinct is due to the years of study and observation required to ensure there are truly no individuals left.
Sometimes, a species may appear to be extinct due to their extremely small population which makes them unlikely to be encountered for long periods of time.
Most of the deaths have been due to indiscriminate fishing e. Death has also been caused by injuries inflicted by fishing hooks, fishing nets, and collisions with propellers and other boat machinery. Photo: NOAA. It is smaller than most dolphins and therefore particularly susceptible to fishing-related deaths. Currently, there are believed to be less than individuals of this species left on earth. Maui Dolphins are slow breeders, meaning they typically only produce enough offspring to take the place of those that have died.
These facts mean the Maui Dolphin struggles to recover their population numbers sufficiently to be removed from the endangered species list. Though this may be a cause of their long recovery, it is not the root cause of their endangerment. This too, is man-made. Becoming the accidental catch of fishing enterprises through trawling methods or being caught in gill nets are the greatest reasons for their status. The final decision on the validity of the new species will be made by the Committee on Taxonomy of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in the next few months.
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By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. March 24, Ganges River Dolphin in Bangladesh. Indus dolphin skulls in Stuttgart. Credit: Gill Braulik. Indus Blind Dolphin, Sukkur, Pakistan. Credit: WWF-Pakistan. More information: Gill T. Braulik et al. DOI: Bottlenose dolphins are highly social, intelligent animals, and individuals often co-operate in activities such as hunting, baby-sitting and defence against predators.
They are most often found in small groups of two to 50 animals , and alliances and relationships between individuals are complex. They are capable of problem solving and tool-use, and are inquisitive and playful, frequently seen riding the bow waves of ships and large whales.
Length: 3. Mating occurs throughout the year but in British waters most births are between May and November. A single calf is born after a gestation of about 12 months and is dependent on milk for 18 to 20 months. It may continue to suck for several years while swimming, hunting and social skills are developed.
Inshore areas include estuaries and harbours, with brief forays into fresh water.
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