Sousa teuszii
CR

Sousa teuszii

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_humpback_dolphin

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Atlantic humpback dolphin faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive fishing activities along West Africa's coast, where bycatch in gillnets and other fishing gear represents the most immediate threat. Coastal development and port construction have degraded critical shallow-water habitats, while pollution from industrial activities and urban runoff further compromises water quality in their nearshore environment. Climate change is altering prey distribution and ocean conditions, adding additional stress to an already vulnerable population estimated at fewer than 3,000 individuals.

Threat summary

Habitat

Atlantic humpback dolphins inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths along the West African coast from Morocco to Angola. They prefer nearshore environments with depths typically less than 20 meters, often found in turbid waters near mangrove systems and river deltas.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical mangrove vegetation· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recovery

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sousa teuszii classified as Critically Endangered?
Sousa teuszii is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Atlantic humpback dolphin faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive fishing activities along West Africa's coast, where bycatch in gillnets and other fishing gear represents the most immediate threat. Coastal development and port construction have degraded critical shallow-water habitats, while pollution from industrial activities and urban runoff further compromises water quality in their nearshore environment. Climate change is altering prey distribution and ocean conditions, adding additional stress to an already vulnerable population estimated at fewer than 3,000 individuals.
Where does Sousa teuszii live?
Sousa teuszii occurs in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo - Brazzaville, Congo - Kinshasa, and Côte d’Ivoire (plus 11 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sousa teuszii?
The main threats to Sousa teuszii are 1.1, 3.1, 3.2, and 4.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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