Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus
The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the most familiar of Britain’s cetaceans and is occasionally recorded in Suffolk’s coastal and offshore waters. Known resident populations exist off Cardigan Bay and the Moray Firth, but individuals and small groups are encountered along the east coast, including the Suffolk shoreline. Sightings from shore and boat are reported periodically, particularly during the summer months. As with all cetaceans in UK waters, Bottlenose Dolphins are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, and sightings off Suffolk contribute to the national database and help build understanding of their movements along the east coast. Image: © Natural England/Allan Drewitt, Flickr.
Find out more: Whale and Dolphin Conservation, The Mammal Society, iNaturalist
Suffolk’s Priority Mammal Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
