Research is beginning to reveal new hope for the endangered humpback dolphin in the Kenya Wildlife Service protected marine park. KMMREC and KWS have identified what appears to be resident families of this endangered species in the popular coastal town of Malindi, with newborn dolphins recorded.
The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) or "mangrove dolphin" IUCN Red List "Endangered" in the Indian Ocean in a 2015 assessment due to declining numbers. Considered to be the 'canary in the coal mine' this species is certainly an indicator of the increased human coastal activities and susceptible to bycatch. Kisite Mpunguti MPA approximately 28 individuals recorded, 8 in Watamu and not
yet assessed but we have a possible natural sanctuary in Malindi with in excess of 25 individuals.
Citizen science and the Kenya Marine Mammal Network places them in various areas on the Ungwana Bay coastline north of Malindi, Lamu, Manda Bay, Kuinga, and Kiwayu but focused research has yet to be done. The longest distance an individual/s has been recorded travelling is 180km from Kisite to Malindi. This species may travel longer distances in search of food due to habitat loss.
Photos are by Watamu Marine Association Michael Mwang'ombe with Kenya Wildlife Service
- Mother and calf Malindi
- Dolphin with net injury on peduncle (tail muscle) sighted in Kisite and Malindi
- Larger male with a double humped dorsal. Very unusual in Kenya and Tz, more common in the Persian Gulf and W Africa.
Information rom WMA GVI and KWS with the KMMN