Heaviside’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii) is a small, stocky dolphin found only in the cold Benguela Current system along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. It is one of the rarest dolphins in the world, the total population is estimated at under 10,000 individuals, and one of the least studied.
Identification
Heaviside’s dolphin is distinctive and easily identified:
- Small and robust; approximately 1.7 metres and 75kg
- Black back and flanks; white belly extending into distinctive lobes toward the tail
- Rounded head with no beak (unlike bottlenose dolphin)
- Often moves in groups of 2 to 10 individuals; sometimes larger aggregations
The species is named for a Captain Heaviside who delivered a specimen to the Natural History Museum in London in the early 19th century; despite the name, there is no apostrophe in the original designation. It is sometimes called Haviside’s dolphin in older literature due to a historical error.
Where to See Them
Heaviside’s dolphin is distributed along the Namibian coast from Lüderitz northward and along the South African west coast to the Cape of Good Hope. The highest densities are in the cold upwelling zone around Lüderitz, Walvis Bay, and the central Skeleton Coast.
From shore: Heaviside’s dolphins are seen from the Skeleton Coast shoreline; they come close to the surf zone. Watching from the C34 road sections near the beach can produce sightings, particularly in the early morning.
From a boat: Catamaran cruises from Walvis Bay encounter Heaviside’s dolphin; they bow-ride and interact with boats in a way similar to other dolphin species.
Conservation
Heaviside’s dolphin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN but the limited range (entirely within one ocean current system) makes the species vulnerable to any changes in the Benguela ecosystem. Bycatch in fishing nets is the primary mortality concern. The species is protected in both Namibia and South Africa.