Behavior of a hector's dolphins

Distribution

The only location of the Hector’s Dolphins is around the coastal waters of New Zealand. It is believed that there are four population of them that are separated by geographic locations. They also mate only within that particular population. The smallest such population has about 111 members and it is found between Dargaville and New Plymouth. There are populations found in all four directions which is encouraging.

They tend to live in water that is up to 300 feet deep. They are usually not going to be more than half a mile or so from the shoreline. During certain times of the year they are right at the shore line due to changes in the location of their primary food sources.

Behavior

As is the case with other dolphins, they live in groups that are very social known as pods or schools. They create very strong bonds within that pod and there are plenty of subgroups and various relationships that take place. The complexity of it is very interesting to observe. The pods may have about 8 core members in it.

However, others may come and go for various periods of time. They can also join up with other pods to make a larger unit. The fact that these smaller pods live so close to each other may indicate that they are really subgroups of a larger overall pod. These dolphins can also be very aggressive to each other from time to time. They may take part in biting or blowing bubbles at each other. 

Activities such as chasing and tail splashing may be for fun or as a warning to keep some distance.

Hector’s Dolphins are known to be slower at swimming than other species of dolphins. They can dive for a period of time up to 3 minutes before they have to surface for air. Clicking is frequently used by them for communication. This is the only species of dolphin that won’t use whistling sounds as a form of communication. Experts aren’t sure why the Hector’s Dolphin doesn’t engage in such a behavior.

(source:google/http://www.dolphins-world.com/)