quote:
(Sydney) Australian researchers said Tuesday they have identified a new species of dolphin living in the coastal waters of northern Australia.The Australian Snubfin Dolphin, which is related to Irrawaddy dolphins found along the coasts and major rivers of Asia and northern Australia, was formally identified as a new species thanks to genetic research carried out in California, Queensland state researchers said in a statement.
"There are clear differences between the two populations that had not been previously recognized and these were confirmed by the studies on DNA," said Isabel Beasley, a doctoral student at James Cook University's School of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography.
[...]
Beasley warned that the dolphins are under threat from humans because they live in shallow coastal waters.
"Unfortunately, because they live in these environments, they are susceptible to many human threats including accidental catch in shark and fishing nets as well as effects of coastal development," Beasley said.
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posted 06 July 2005 06:40 AM
