Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin

Photo: Palinda Perera · CC BY-NC

The less-celebrated but equally fascinating humpback dolphin uses the seagrass meadows fringing the pass as a hunting ground for small flatfish and crustaceans, its distinctive dorsal hump and slower surface behaviour making it immediately distinguishable from its faster-moving neighbours. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, this species faces severe pressure from coastal fishing and boat strikes throughout its range, making the Kalpitiya population an important conservation population in Sri Lankan waters. Sightings are best during quiet early-morning transits through the shallower seagrass patches.