Scientific Name
Tursiops aduncus
Other Common Name(s)
Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin
Body Weight
Up to 230 kg
Body Length
Up to 2.7 m
Habitat
Diet
Fun Facts
As mammals, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins need to swim to the water's surface from time to time to breathe through their lungs. They also frequently leap out of the water or ride on waves, exhibiting behavior similar to surfing.
Apart from sight, dolphins also navigate by echolocation. They produce clicking sounds to send out sound waves. When these waves hit an object, they bounce back towards the dolphins’ well-developed ears. This gives dolphins information about the location of the object and some indication of its shape and size.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
Invasive Species & Diseases
Pollution
These dolphins live in coastal waters. Their natural habitats are exposed to degradation, exploitation and disturbances such as coastal development, pollution, fisheries and boat traffic. They are harmed by fisheries through overfishing and as bycatch.
IUCN Red List
Near Threatened
Red List of China's Biodiversity
Data Deficient
CITES
Appendix II
Conservation Regulations
Chinese Wildlife Conservation Law: Category 2
While Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are not a native species to Hong Kong, they have been spotted in Hong Kong waters. All cetaceans are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.
The Park's Marine Life Stranding Response Team collaborates with the government to follow up on marine animal stranding cases in Hong Kong waters and has handled cases with stranded Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins before. The Park also conducts research on this species, aiming to deepen the understanding of dolphin behaviours.
Animal Rescue & Recovery in Ocean Park
Research of Ocean Park
Plastic Challenge
Fun Activities
