Researchers at Melbourne’s Monash University have determined that dolphins residing along the South Australian coast are in fact a new species. The discovery was made by Kate Charlton-Robb, a PhD researcher at the School of Biological Sciences at the university. The remarkable discovery, published in the latest PLoS ONE Journal, reveals that coastal dolphins in southern Australia differed greatly from other dolphin species worldwide. Until now, approximately 150 of the dolphins living around the Melbourne area had been assumed to be bottlenose dolphins.

The new species has been, formally named Tursiops australis, with the common name of Burrunan Dolphin, derived from the Aboriginal Australian meaning "large sea fish of the porpoise kind". The recognition of T. australis is significant, as the new species is confined to a small geographic region of southern and southeastern Australia where only two small resident populations reside This research relied heavily on the analysis of dolphin skulls collected and maintained by museums over the last century, including Museum Victoria in Melbourne. Detailed DNA analysis revealed that the dolphins differed from that of known bottlenose species Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus.

"This is an incredibly fascinating discovery as there have only been three new dolphin species formally described and recognized since the late 1800s," Ms Charlton-Robb stated. "What makes this even more exciting is this dolphin species has been living right under our noses, with only two known resident populations living in Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria state. In fact, now that it is recognized as a separate species it may immediately qualify under Australia's criteria for endangered animals.” she added.

Ms Charlton-Robb said it is important this study continues in order to conserve and protect the Burrunan dolphin for future generations. More research is required to determine if there are other resident populations of this species in Australia. "The formal recognition of this new species is of great importance to correctly manage and protect this species, and has significant bearing on the prioritization of conservation efforts," the authors wrote. "This is especially crucial given its endemism to a small region of the world, with only two small known resident populations."

◄ Previous | Image of | Next ►

-