Dolphins Down Under : Understanding the New Zealand Dolphin

New Zealand dolphins, also known as Hectors dolphins, are fascinating and beautiful animals.

Found only in New Zealand waters, their numbers are now under constant threat -- especially from human fishing activities.

This book introduces the dolphin to readers of all ages.

The authors have devoted the last 30 years -- more than a dolphin lifespan -- to intensive study of the dolphins distribution, behaviour, biology, reproduction and communication, using photography as their principal research tool.

They have identified over a hundred individuals and recorded their life events.

Several of these dolphins feature inside. Early on in their research the authors realised that dolphin numbers are not sustainable under current fishing practices.

They describe these and other conservation problems as well as their solutions -- both potential and existing -- encouraging the reader to appreciate the fragility of the dolphins existence.