There are many different kinds of dolphins around the world, and one of the types is the Maui's dolphin. It holds the distinction of being the smallest dolphin in the world. Till the year 2002, this species of dolphin was known as North Island Hector's dolphin. However, a scientist found that these dolphins were genetically different from other Hector's dolphins, and hence, their name was changed.

Unfortunately, the Maui dolphins are under great threat, with their numbers dwindling due to fishing. It is believed that the Maui's dolphin will become extinct in a few years, if necessary steps are not taken to save them and net fishing is not banned.

This dolphin has a slightly inclined snout and a small, but solid body. The most distinct feature of the dolphin is its dorsal fin, which is round in shape, just like the shape of Mickey Mouse's ears. The dorsal side and the flanks of the dolphin are light gray in color, with white streaks along the side of the body. The underbelly is white, and the face, dorsal fin, tail and flippers are black in color. It has a crescent shaped mark just between the eyes which is again black in color. And, it also has a blowhole. The adult can reach a length of 1.2 to 1.4 meters, and weigh as much as 50 kilograms. The Maui's dolphin spends majority of its hours feeding, but it also spends time playing and frolicking with other dolphins.

This species of dolphins is found close to the shoreline, estuaries, harbors and bays. Usually, the female dolphins and their calves tend to travel in a group, as there is added protection in numbers. The group can consist of up to five dolphins. They communicate with each other through sounds that are composed of complex clicks. The calves tend to spend their time playing in seaweed and blowing bubbles. This is considered important behaviors for the young dolphins, as it teaches how to interact with other members of the species.

Female Maui dolphins are capable of reproduction by the time they are seven to nine years old. Unfortunately, these dolphins reproduce at a slow rate, which is just enough to breed the dolphins that perish naturally. Hence, their numbers do not increase rapidly. A female has a life span of around twenty years and during that period, she gives birth to just four calves. The calves stay with their mother, drinking milk for a year, but begin consuming squids and fish after they are six months old. Female dolphins do not mate for life and a female gives birth just to one calf every two to four years. The calf is around 50 to 60 centimeters at birth, which is quite big when compared to the mother's size.

Maui dolphins feed mostly on squids and fish, and each dive for food last for just 90 seconds.

Today, the number of dolphins has decreased dramatically. In 1985, the total number of Maui's dolphins was around 134 and they were seen frequently. However, this is not the case today. A survey conducted in 2004 put their number at 100. The dolphins are now restricted to small pockets, namely alongside the north west shore of the North Island. These dolphins tend to come between October and March close to the shore. Researchers believe that these dolphins come as close as one nautical miles during these few months, while they spend their entire lives living around 60 kilometers from the coast.

If drastic measures are not taken to save the remaining populations of Maui's dolphins, they will be a sight that we will be able to enjoy just in photographs and images.

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