The humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is a rare species of dolphin that can be found along South Africa’s east coast. Most people have never even heard of a humpback dolphin which looks quite similar to its better-known cousin, the bottlenose dolphin. The main identification feature of this species is the hump on its back and a small dorsal fin.

Humpback dolphins have been red listed as Vulnerable. In KZN, two major threats to this species are shark nets and the building and expansion of harbours and marinas in estuarine ecosystems. Additional threats include habitat destruction caused by the removal of mangrove trees and as well as poor farming practices and water mismanagement that results in the degradation of rivers and estuaries and ultimately siltation in the nearshore environment. There is increasing fishing pressure on humpback dolphin prey, many of which are species that are frequently caught by anglers (e.g. grunter). Toxins that enter the marine ecosystem (from marine pollution as well as pesticide use on the land) also negatively affect these animals.

You can now ‘adopt’ a small or limited edition medium Humpback Dolphin cuddly toy to help support the work that the EWT does in conserving the eco-system they live in, to ensure they have a future.