A research project aimed at understanding more about the rare and elusive snubfin dolphin could be on the verge of identifying a new species of dolphin living in waters just north of Broome, in north-west Australia.
The research is taking place in Roebuck Bay near Broome and has provided scientists with the opportunity to gather further data on the rare snubfin dolphin, Australia's only endemic dolphin and the first new dolphin species to be discovered globally in decades.
A significant number of dolphins have already been sighted and filmed in the survey location and the first genetic sampling of the north-west population has been undertaken.
The genetic sampling will determine whether the north-west Australian population may actually be a separate species from or subspecies of the snubfin dolphin found in Queensland.
Very little is known about the snubfin dolphin which was first discovered in 2005 near Townsville. Until recently it was thought to be an Irrawaddy dolphin, the critically endangered species found in the coastal rivers of south-east Asia, but recent studies confirmed that it is a distinct species unique to northern Australian waters.
"Because so little is known about this dolphin, we are extremely concerned that unsustainable fishing, boat strikes and marine debris could mean that only three years after it was discovered, it may already be facing the threat of extinction," said Dr Tammie Matson, WWF-Australia's Species Program Leader.
"Coastal and river dolphins are among the most threatened species on the planet. In Asia and around the world, several dolphin species are at risk of extinction. Australia has an obligation to ensure that the rare Australian snubfin dolphin doesn't succumb to the same fate," Dr Matson said.
WWF-Australia has listed the snubfin as one of its flagship species for priority conservation, and has partnered with ING DIRECT to help the vital project, first in the Northern Territory and now in Western Australia.
ING DIRECT customers are also supporting the research by switching from paper to online statements. For every customer that opts to receive online statements, ING DIRECT is donating $2 directly to the snubfin dolphin project.
Project organiser Christian Bohlke says the response has been overwhelming.
"More than 35,000 customers have already made the change," Bohlke said. "It is a double win for the environment with less paper used and valuable research financed.
"As a company that is synonymous with saving, it's exciting for us to contribute to efforts that will help save this species now and into the future," he added.
The research is taking place in Roebuck Bay near Broome and has provided scientists with the opportunity to gather further data on the rare snubfin dolphin, Australia's only endemic dolphin and the first new dolphin species to be discovered globally in decades.
A significant number of dolphins have already been sighted and filmed in the survey location and the first genetic sampling of the north-west population has been undertaken.
The genetic sampling will determine whether the north-west Australian population may actually be a separate species from or subspecies of the snubfin dolphin found in Queensland.
Very little is known about the snubfin dolphin which was first discovered in 2005 near Townsville. Until recently it was thought to be an Irrawaddy dolphin, the critically endangered species found in the coastal rivers of south-east Asia, but recent studies confirmed that it is a distinct species unique to northern Australian waters.
"Because so little is known about this dolphin, we are extremely concerned that unsustainable fishing, boat strikes and marine debris could mean that only three years after it was discovered, it may already be facing the threat of extinction," said Dr Tammie Matson, WWF-Australia's Species Program Leader.
"Coastal and river dolphins are among the most threatened species on the planet. In Asia and around the world, several dolphin species are at risk of extinction. Australia has an obligation to ensure that the rare Australian snubfin dolphin doesn't succumb to the same fate," Dr Matson said.
WWF-Australia has listed the snubfin as one of its flagship species for priority conservation, and has partnered with ING DIRECT to help the vital project, first in the Northern Territory and now in Western Australia.
ING DIRECT customers are also supporting the research by switching from paper to online statements. For every customer that opts to receive online statements, ING DIRECT is donating $2 directly to the snubfin dolphin project.
Project organiser Christian Bohlke says the response has been overwhelming.
"More than 35,000 customers have already made the change," Bohlke said. "It is a double win for the environment with less paper used and valuable research financed.
"As a company that is synonymous with saving, it's exciting for us to contribute to efforts that will help save this species now and into the future," he added.
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