The Heaviside's dolphin is a beautiful animal, smaller than a human child, found exclusively in the frigid waters of Namibia and South Africa. Until 2017, it was listed as "data deficient" because a lack of information prevented any accurate population estimates from being taken. However, it is now listed as "near threatened" because of its small population size, and its population could stand at a few thousand!

While it is threatened by issues like plastic and metal pollution and industrial fishing, the greatest threat it faces is a simple lack of information. Few people even know it exists, and yet we risk losing this magnificent animal forever!

If we are to protect this creature, we must urge the government of Namibia, a nation that was the first to write wildlife protection into its constitution, to conduct comprehensive studies of the population, important habitat, exact nature of the threats faced, economic benefits to local communities, and even its biology!

If this can be achieved, the responsible national and international agencies and other bodies can make impactful decisions to protect its food and habitat and ensure that future generations of people can witness these creatures living happily and sustainably in the wild!