New species of dolphin found in Australia

The Atlantic humpback is already a known and recognised species, but the discovery of the latest dolphin species provides the best evidence yet of three different types, including one which is completely new to science, researchers said.

u00a0

The humpback dolphin with a peculiar hump just below the dorsal fin grows up to 2.5 metre in length and ranges from dark grey to pink and/or white in colour.

u00a0

The species generally inhabits coastal waters, deltas, estuaries, and occurs throughout the Indian and Pacific oceans up to the coasts of Australia.

u00a0

"Based on the findings of our combined morphological and genetic analyses, we can suggest that the humpback dolphin genus includes at least four member species," said the Wildlife Conservation Society's Martin Mendez, lead author of the study.

u00a0

"This discovery helps our understanding of the evolutionary history of this group and informs conservation policies to help safeguard each of the species," he added.

u00a0

The findings were published in the latest edition of journal Molecular Ecology. The new species is yet to be named.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!