*** NEW AUSTRALIAN SPECIES ALERT *** Australia has gained a new species of dolphin after scientists determined the AUSTRALIAN HUMPBACK DOLPHIN (Sousa sahulensis) possessed enough unique features to have its own category, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. Previously it was thought that Australian waters are home to only one, perhaps two unique dolphins … the Australian Snubfin Dolphin and the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin. The study describing the newly named species is the culmination of a 17-year long systematic examination of all available historical records, physical descriptions, and genetic data of humpback dolphins—a widespread group of coastal cetaceans ranging from the coast of West Africa to the northern coast of Australia. The Australian humpback dolphin becomes the fourth recognized humpback dolphin species. Aside from slight differences in overall length, number of teeth and vertebrae, and geographic distribution, the Australian humpback dolphin differs in appearance from the other three humpback species. The Aussie humpback dolphin has a low dorsal fin with no hump, and a distinct skull shape and number of teeth; it also bears a darker cape on its back, compared to its closest relative, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. With an official species name, the new Aussie dolphin will have greater chances of receiving special conservation treatment. [The new species naming] has implications for conservation and management, as it means there is a much greater chance of this species being threatened or endangered, says spokesman. Humpback dolphins throughout their range are threatened with development in their coastal habitats, fisheries interactions, vessel impacts, accidental capture by fishermen and, in a few cases, direct hunting. Coastal dolphins live in some of the most heavily fished, polluted and developed environments in the world. Because of this, they are the most threatened of all our whales, dolphins and porpoises. Efforts to protect humpback dolphins and other coastal dolphins, and their most important habitats are essential for the survival of these species. Researchers will now seek to determine how many individuals of this new species currently exist and perform more detailed taxonomic work to figure out whether sub-species exist. wcs.org/press/press-releases/new-dolphin-species-named.aspx australiangeographic.au/news/2014/08/new-australian-dolphin-species-listed
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 20:03:54 +0000
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