New species of dolphin discovered

A team of international scientists, including Flinders University animal studies expert Dr Guido J Parra, has found evidence to suggest the recognition of at least four distinct species in the humpback dolphin family - one of which is completely new to science.

The study was led by Dr Martin Mendez and Dr Howard Rosenbaum from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the American Museum of Natural History and has been published in the journal Molecular Ecology.

Photo of humpback dolphins by Guido J Parra.

Working to bring taxonomic clarity to a widespread yet poorly known group of dolphins, in order to improve conservation efforts, the researchers examined 180 skulls and 235 tissue samples from beached dolphins and museum specimens to compare genetic and morphological characteristics from the eastern Atlantic to the western Pacific oceans.

“The genetic and morphological data showed significant and concordant patterns of geographical segregation, which are typical for the kind of demographic isolation displayed by species units across the Sousa genus [humpback] distribution range,” the researchers stated. “Based on our combined genetic and morphological analyses, there is convincing evidence for at least four species within the genus.”

While the Atlantic humpback dolphin, found in waters off West Africa, is a recognised species, Dr Parra said the research provides new evidence to split the Indo-Pacific humpback into three separate species: one which ranges from the central to western Indian Ocean; another which inhabits the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans; and a previously unknown Indo-Pacific species found in waters off Northern Australia.

Dr Parra said the researchers were “very surprised and of course delighted to discover the recognition of a completely new species. The added bonus is that it is located right here in Australia and could potentially be endemic to our waters.”

Dr Parra said the information provides much-needed scientific evidence to inform management decisions aimed at protecting the humpback dolphins’ genetic diversity and habitats. With Australia’s northern coast currently undergoing major developments, he said, we now have “the opportunity and responsibility to develop research and conservation programs that will contribute to the conservation and long-term survival of this new dolphin species”.

Dr Parra said a formal adjustment to the naming and number of the species will occur soon.

Source: Flinders University Marketing and Communications