Threats to bottlenose dolphin
Predators
Sharks are probably the most important predators of bottlenose dolphins with the numerous shark-bite scars found on as many as half of all bottlenose dolphins providing evidence of such encounters. Killer whales are also likely to be one of the main predators.
Human impact
Bottlenose dolphins are particularly susceptible to human impacts due to their coastal nature. In New Zealand, the main threat to this species is likely to be the adverse effects of tourism. Bottlenose dolphins are the focus for dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands and Fiordland areas. Studies have found the presence of boats to interfere with dolphins' normal behaviour (Constantine et al., 2003; 2004) and boat strike in areas of high boating activity is always a threat. Common sense rules should therefore apply when boating around dolphins to reduce stress on the animals. Such rules are outlined in the Marine Mammal Protection Regulations (1992).
Contacts
To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:
0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468)