You Sea, There is No Genetic Diversity
There Is A Probability that Genetic Variability Is A Problem
Hector’s Dolphins reproduce at a slow rate and that is a huge concern in regards to their population. These loving mothers find comfort and security when they are in large packs to keep safe but with huge human interference and loss of genetic variability, they seem to be growing smaller in size. The female dolphins may only mate every 4 years because she will when she has a calf to care for(Pichler, 2000). If something happens to it, then she may mate every 2 years which means there is a low possibility for more growth in their population size. In the wild, these dolphins have a lifespan ranging from 20 to 25 years but that is becoming very low because of human interference (Pichler, 2000). Can you imagine a world without these small and innocent creatures
Hector's Dolphins migrating
Courtesy of Arkive
"What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected."
-Chief Seattle
Facts and Figures
Hector's Dolphins are faced with immense challenges such as the increased genetic isolation. Based on 108 contemporary samples dating back to 1870 there is a significant loss of mitochondrial DNA diversity in two regional populations from the south and east coast(Pichler, 2000). Which means in the past 20 years, the North Island population has been reduced from three lineages to a single lineage(Pichler, 2000). This is alarming and scary to many tourists who fear they will one day not see Hector's dolphins.
Hector's Dolphin calmly swimming around
Courtesy of Arkive