Summary of all WWF Maui's public sightings
Map of WWF-New Zealand Public Maui's dolphin sightings since 2003.
WWF New Zealand has maintained sighting records since 2003. All sightings information is independently validated by Dr. Barbara Breen (AUT) and combined into one spatially linked geodatabase stored within a geographical information system (GIS). This allows for rapid analysis and retrieval of sightings data in the form of maps and reports.
Prior to 2007, sightings information was summarised and provided back to WWF in report format. Now there are two ways the public can report Maui's sightings to us: via an online form or by free-calling 0800 4 MAUIS. The majority of all sightings are reported to us by form, but the phone line is growing in popularity.
Since 2003 there have been 134 public sightings of Maui’s dolphins along the West Coast of the North Island from the WWF New Zealand sightings programme. The map above illustrates the distribution of sightings over the nine year period.
Most observers were engaged in boating activities (63%) or surfing (32%) at the time of the sightings.
Prior to 2007, sightings information was summarised and provided back to WWF in report format. Now there are two ways the public can report Maui's sightings to us: via an online form or by free-calling 0800 4 MAUIS. The majority of all sightings are reported to us by form, but the phone line is growing in popularity.
Since 2003 there have been 134 public sightings of Maui’s dolphins along the West Coast of the North Island from the WWF New Zealand sightings programme. The map above illustrates the distribution of sightings over the nine year period.
Most observers were engaged in boating activities (63%) or surfing (32%) at the time of the sightings.
Quick facts and figures on Maui's sightings
- 134 public sightings since 2003
- 63% sighted during boating activities
- 32% sighted by surfers
- 28% seen swimming as pairs
- 20% seen swimming individually
- biggest group seen had 15 dolphins
- largest pods occur in the Raglan and Manakau region
- 27% of the sightings included juveniles
- Maui's have been reported in harbours
- Maui's sightings range between Baylys Beach (Dargaville) and North Taranaki
Size of Maui's pods sighted
Maui's dolphins were most commonly seen swimming as pairs.
Distribution of Maui's sightings
A total of 58 public sightings were reported to WWF-New Zealand between 2007 to 2009. Of these reports, 88% were received via the online form while the rest were from 0800 4 MAUIS calls.
2007: only 3 sightings were provided, all of these came from the online form.
2008: 17 sightings were received, 3 were reported by phone and 15 were via the online form.
2009: 38 sightings were received, 4 of which were reported by phone, 1 by personal email to a WWF staff member, and 33 via the online form.
A total of 18 public sightings have been reported to WWF-New Zealand between 2010 and March 2011. Of these reports, 67% were received via the online form while 33% were from 0800 4 MAUIS calls.
A total of 18 public sightings have been reported to WWF-New Zealand between 2010 and March 2011. Of these reports, 67% were received via the online form while 33% were from 0800 4 MAUIS calls.
2010: 11 sightings were received, 4 by phone and 7 by online form.
2011: 7 sightings were reported as of March, 2 by phone and 5 via online form. Update coming soon...
2012: Watch this space!
Maui's dolphins have been sighted within harbours.
Why report sightings of Maui's dolphins?
Reports from the public about Maui's are critically important for the conservation of the dolphins.
Thank you to everyone who has reported a Maui’s sighting for helping protect this critically endangered species from extinction.
What does WWF do with my sightings report?
WWF adds your report to other people’s sightings to build a picture of where these rare dolphins are found. This is very important because it tells us - and other conservation organisations - where the dolphins need to be protected.
Report your sighting
I can't stress how valuable public sightings reports are in helping the conservation of Maui's. The dolphins are thought to be as few as 100 individuals so every sighting is important.
The sightings network has provided a successful method to anecdotally survey the distribution of Maui's dolphins and to promote knowledge and better awareness of the species within the communities across the West Coast of the North Island.