Facts about Chilean Dolphin

1. 08

   Social groups of Chilean dolphins typically consist of 2 to 4 individuals, making them among the least gregarious cetaceans compared to species that form pods of dozens or hundreds.

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2. 07

   Females of this species give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of approximately 11 months, with calves remaining dependent on their mothers for extended nursing periods.

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3. 06

   Cephalorhynchus eutropia exhibits a distinctive dark coloration pattern with a white or pale pink belly, making it visually recognizable among other small cetaceans in Chilean waters.

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4. 05

   Coastal gillnets kill approximately 50 Chilean dolphins annually, representing a significant threat to a population estimated at only 1,200 to 2,000 individuals.

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5. 04

   In the 1990s, Chilean dolphins were reclassified from the genus Cephalorhynchus to Cephalorhynchus eutropia after genetic analysis revealed distinct evolutionary differences from related species.

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6. 03

   Chilean dolphins communicate using clicks and whistles at frequencies up to 130 kilohertz, allowing them to navigate murky coastal waters with echolocation.

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7. 02

   The Chilean dolphin's limited geographic range encompasses only the coastal waters of southern Chile, making it one of the most geographically restricted cetaceans.

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8. 01

   Measuring just 1.7 meters in length, the Chilean dolphin ranks among the smallest cetaceans in the world.

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