Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
Sousa teuszii
Protected Status
Quick Facts
About the Species
The Atlantic humpback dolphin is a coastal species endemic to tropical and subtropical eastern Atlantic nearshore waters of western Africa, ranging from Morocco to Angola. This species occurs exclusively in shallow (<30 m) depths, in warm nearshore waters, and in dynamic habitats strongly influenced by tidal patterns (e.g., sandbanks, deltas, estuaries, and mangrove systems).
Atlantic humpback dolphin populations are small and fragmented, ranging from the tens to low hundreds of individuals. Available information indicates that the species probably includes fewer than 3,000 individuals.
Threats to the Atlantic humpback dolphin include fisheries bycatch and prey depletion, deliberate capture, coastal development, and anthropogenic noise. Bycatch of Atlantic humpback dolphins in artisanal gillnets is considered widespread throughout the species’ range and is the primary threat facing the species.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Mammalia | Order | Cetacea | Family | Delphinidae | Genus | Sousa | Species | teuszii |
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Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 05/17/2023
Featured News


In the Spotlight
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 05/17/2023
Management Overview
NOAA Fisheries has completed a status review of the Atlantic humpback dolphin (Sousa teuszii) and is proposing to list the species as endangered throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act.
Key Actions and Documents
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 05/17/2023
Science Overview
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 05/17/2023
Documents
Endangered Species Act Status Review Report: Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (Sousa teuszii)
This report is the status review for the Atlantic humpback dolphin. This report summarizes the best…
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 05/17/2023