CONTACT
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Mail :
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Nature Conservation Dept. of Development Plymouth City Council Plymouth PL1 2AA |
| 01752 304229 | |
| wildlife@plymouth.gov.uk |
LINKS
- BTCV
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Devon Wildlife Trust
- English Nature
- Environment Agency
- Forestry Commission
- Groundwork South West
- Tamar Estuaries
- The National Trust
- Woodland Trust
- We are not responsible for the content of linked websites. Visit our disclaimer page for more information.
Dolphins and porpoises
Dolphins and porpoises are highly intelligent marine mammals belonging to the order Cetacea which also includes whales. Dolphins and porpoises use echolocation to navigate and hunt, preying on fish, squid and crustaceans.
Porpoises have shorter beaks and more flattened teeth than dolphins. Harbour porpoise is one of the smallest ocean mammals and stays near to the coast, hence its name.
Dolphins are social mammals living in groups (known as pods). Dolphins are known to display culture, with play being an important part of this.
In the westcountry, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and harbour porpoise are frequently spotted. These three species are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
For more information of dolphins please visit the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS).