Natural Predators:
* Sharks: Large sharks like great whites, tiger sharks, and bull sharks are known to prey on dolphins, particularly calves.
* Orcas (Killer Whales): These highly intelligent and powerful marine mammals are the primary predators of dolphins. They use coordinated hunting strategies to target pods of dolphins.
* Large Fish: Some large fish, like tuna, swordfish, and marlin, can pose a threat to dolphins, especially smaller individuals.
* Other Marine Mammals: Occasionally, seals and sea lions may attack dolphins, especially calves.
Human-Related Threats:
* Bycatch: Dolphins often get caught accidentally in fishing nets, a major threat to their survival.
* Pollution: Pollution from plastic, chemicals, and oil spills can harm dolphins and make them more vulnerable to disease.
* Habitat Loss: Destruction of coastal habitats and overfishing can disrupt dolphin populations and food chains.
It's important to remember that while these predators exist, dolphins are generally at the top of their food chain, making them less vulnerable compared to many other marine species.