Experts monitor Risso's dolphin species off Welsh coast

Experts are studying the Risso's dolphin off the coast of Bardsey Island to help protect it. Credit: Pine Eisfeld-Pierantonio, WDC

Work has started to monitor a unique species of dolphin off the coast of north Wales.

Bardsey Island is one of only a few sites around the UK where the Risso's dolphin can be seen close to land.

Though born grey, their round heads and white scars - caused by their squid prey and from interacting with other Risso’s dolphins - distinguish them from bottlenose dolphins.

Now Natural Resources Wales is working with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation on a study of the Risso's species to help protect them.

Experts say the two-week monitoring programme, which started on Saturday, will tell them roughly how many dolphins are in the area and help them understand their feeding habits and social interaction.