Lagenorhynchus obscurus, Dusky Dolphin

Abstract

The Dusky Dolphin was classified as Data Deficient (DD) on the IUCN Red List in 2008. The species remains extremely data-poor and DD was still considered potentially applicable in this assessment. Clarifying language in the Guidelines (Version 11, 2014) states that: “If the data are so uncertain that both CR and LC are plausible categories, the taxon can be listed as DD”. Although information is sparse, several Dusky Dolphin populations are large, seemingly stable, and not subject to high levels of anthropogenic threats, and the Critically Endangered category could not plausibly be applied to the species as it is currently defined. Therefore, DD does not apply. Given the large populations of all four subspecies and the fact that there are no current or historical major threats or signs of decline for three of the four subspecies, the Dusky Dolphin is assessed as Least Concern at the global species level.