  |
||||||
|
|
The name is a dead give away for the location of this species, The Chilean dolphin. Making it's home in the shallow waters off the coast of Chile, as well as the rivers and channels surrounding the area of Chile, this little-known species has a look all it's own.
The Chilean dolphin is quite rare, and due to this fact it's longevity and current population are unable to be declared. However, numerous sightings of the animals, as well as several beachings and recovered skeletons have allowed for in-depth studies to be conducted. The Chilean dolphin can reach lengths up to 1.7 meters at full adulthood, and weigh anywhere 85 to 115 pounds. These mammals are one of the smaller species of dolphins. The head is not predominant as with other species and their flippers are smaller in relation. The lack of the obvious "beak," absence of a dorsal fin, a "cap" over the front of the skull, and their white "lips" allow for easy identification. Another unique trait is the color of the chest and belly of the Chilean dolphin. In what resembles an "armpit" under the lateral fins, the underside of the Chilean dolphin has a distinct black pattern across the chest as seen in the photo above. The Chilean dolphin is considered a docile mammal and does not approach humans. Although this species is "shy," it has been observed bowriding with local boaters as well as spyjumping. The Chilean dolphin live in pods of 2 to 15 dolphins, but groups of up to 400 dolphins have been viewed during what is thought to be their breeding season. As previously stated, these dolphins are rare, so not only are their numbers a mystery but so is their state of endangerment. These dolphins are not safe from hunters or fishing nets, as many dolphin lovers wish they could be. Rare or not, the Chilean dolphin can be added to our collection of beautifully unique....
Go To Page: 1 |
|||||
|
|
||||||
