Coastal Dolphins and Porpoises

Dr. Thomas Jefferson’s main interests are the development of marine mammal identification aids, and the systematics and population ecology of the more poorly known species of dolphins and porpoises. His work since receiving his PhD in 1983 has been related to conservation and management of marine mammals threatened by human activities. His current primary research focuses on the conservation biology of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) populations in Hong Kong and surrounding waters. I am also working on other projects looking at the systematics and ecology of these species throughout their ranges. In addition, I am involved in many other projects, including those on the conservation of the critically endangered vaquita (Phocoena sinus) and on the taxonomy and population ecology of common dolphins (Delphinus spp.)

1. Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis)
2. Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis)
3. Indo-Pacific and Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis and S. sahulensis)
4. Atlantic and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins (Sousa teuszii and S. plumbea)
5. Common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
6. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus)
7. Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus)
8. Commerson’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii)
9. Chilean dolphin (Cephalorhynchus eutropia)
10. Heaviside’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii)
11. Hector’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)
12. Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
13. Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
14. Spectacled porpoise (Phocoena dioptrica)
15. Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis)
16. Finless porpoises (Neophocaena)
17. Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli)