The Many Different Types Of Dolphins You Can Find In Antarctica

Dolphins are small-toothed marine mammals that can be found in the world's oceans, seas, and some rivers. The dolphin's size can range from a five feet long small Maui dolphin to an over 30 feet long Ocra. Dolphins are highly intelligent, intensely social creatures that communicate with squeaks, whistles, and clicks. It has been proved by scientists that dolphins have their own individual whistles and can recognize their and other dolphins’ names. They are famous for their grace, playfulness, and friendliness to humans. There are currently over 40 species of dolphins in the world. Lifespan varies from around 20 years for smaller dolphin species to 80-plus years for larger dolphins. The Antarctic is home to some of these dolphin species that can be observed during a trip to Antarctica. Let's discuss some of the most popular dolphins in the Antarctic. 1. Commerson’s Dolphin 2. Dusky Dolphin 3. Hourglass dolphins 4. Peale’s Dolphin 5. Southern Right Whale Dolphin 6. Orca - Killer whale or Toothed whale Commerson’s Dolphins Commerson’s dolphins are a small species of cetacean that is found in the coastal waters of South America. Commerson’s Dolphins are named after Dr. Philibert Commerson, who discovered them in the Strait of Magellan in 1767. The dolphins are easily distinguished from other cetaceans by their unique coloration, which is a striking black and white pattern. This species of dolphins are also known for their high level of intelligence and their playful nature. Commerson’s Dolphins are exclusive creatures that grow to about 4 to 5 feet and around 190 pounds. Their diet consists of small fish and squid. There isn’t that much data on Commerson’s dolphins lifespans, but they’re believed to live to about 10 to 18 years of age in the wild. There are an estimated 250-300 Commerson’s dolphins in the world, and they are listed as “data deficient” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Dusky Dolphin Dusky dolphins have a cone-shaped face, stubby beak, white belly with a tall two-toned dorsal fin. They are easy to identify by their dark grey coloration, which gives them their name. These dolphins are fast-swimming and agile; regularly perform amazingly high jumps and twists like a skilled acrobats. Dusky dolphins are very sociable and inquisitive creatures, they would often approach boats in groups of up to 20 or more. These dolphins are also known to ride the waves created by boats and other dolphins. They grow to about 6 feet in length and weigh around 180 pounds. The Dusky Dolphin is an endangered species, with an estimated population of just over 10,000 individuals.They live approximately 35 years. Dusky dolphins are a popular species for research, as they are relatively easy to observe in the wild. Hourglass Dolphin Hourglass dolphins are named after the distinct, hourglass-shaped white streaks on their sides. These dolphins are found in the coastal waters of southern Africa, and are known to frequent areas with deep canyons and steep drop-offs. The Hourglass dolphin has a small and stocky body with a tall, curved dorsal fin. Hourglass dolphins reach a maximum known length of 6 feet and around 180 pounds. They are often seen in groups of 10-20 individuals, but may form larger groups of up to 100 dolphins. These dolphins are very shy and avoid contact with humans. They can be spotted bow-riding next to fast boats, going at speeds of over 13 miles per hour. The hourglass dolphin is the only small dolphin species found in Antarctic waters. Their full lifespan is unknown, ages can range from 25 to more than 40 years. Peale’s Dolphin Peale's dolphin is a small, long-beaked dolphin found in near-shore waters of the southern hemisphere. The Peale’s dolphin is black on the back and white on the belly, this two-color pattern is separated by a thin white stripe that begins below the dorsal fin. They are named after Titian Ramsay Peale, an American explorer and artist who first discovered the species in 1848. Adult Paele’s dolphins can measure lengths of 7 feet and around 200 pounds. They are very social animals, and can often be seen swimming in large groups. There is deficient data on the exact lifespan of this species but it is believed they live as long as an average dolphin, about 20 to 40 years. Southern Right Whale Dolphin The Southern right whale dolphin is a species of dolphin that can be found in the southern hemisphere. This Antarctic animal has a slender, sleek body, with a black back and white face and belly. Southern Right Whale Dolphins grow to length of 10 feet and weigh around 260 pounds. They are fast and agile swimmers that can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. This dolphin is very close in appearance to the killer whale, and is often mistaken for one. The Southern right whale dolphin is a very social creature, and can often be seen in large groups. This dolphin is very curious, and will often approach boats and humans in the water. On a trip to Antarctica they can be observed breaching, belly-flopping and bow-riding. Their diet consists of small fish and squid. They have a lifespan of upto 40 years. Orca or Killer Whale Although their names implies that they are whales, Orca are the largest member of the dolphin family, and one of the world’s most powerful predators. They measure 23 to 32 feet and weigh as much as 6 tons. Females are generally larger than males. Orcas are countershaded, with a white underside and a black back. Historically, sailors observed groups of orcas hunting and preying on larger whale species, and gave them the term 'killer whale.' According to studies, orcas in the wild live in close-knit family groupings that share a sophisticated, distinctive culture that is passed down through generations. These highly intelligent, social mammals have an average lifespan of 50 to 80 years. Though they are often feared because of their size and power, orcas are actually gentle giants and are not known to attack humans. Threats Aside from common predators like huge sharks and killer whales and threats like disease and habitat loss, humans are the biggest killers of dolphins. From pollution, entanglement in fishing gear and water pollution to being caught as bycatch, humans' actions have the most impact on dolphins. For generations, humans have hunted dolphins for their meat and blubber. Even now after hunting has stopped, dolphins still mistakenly get captured or entangled in industrial fishing nets. From pollution, entanglement in fishing gear and water pollution to being caught as bycatch, humans' actions have the most impact on dolphins. Chemicals and other pollutants can enter the ocean through a variety of means, including runoff from land, discharge from factories and ships, and atmospheric deposition. These pollutants accumulate in dolphins and other marine mammals and can cause a variety of health problems, including liver and kidney damage, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. We even build structures like dams and oil rigs that can harm or even kill them. Habitat degradation and warming ocean temperatures because of climate change also harm dolphins' population rates and ability to survive. Animal Farm is asking you to help with conserving the worlds' dolphin species and their associated ecosystems. We believe that consumers can use their purchasing power to bring about changes in the fishing and animal industries and ultimately help save dolphins and other animal life. We encourage consumers to become more environmentally aware and choose sustainable products. By doing so, we can all help make a difference in the fight to protect these amazing creatures!