Hidden Nook
"Because in Cyberspace, no one can hear you scream."
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
New Species Of Dolphin Discovered
[Media Source*]
(Reuters) Australian researchers have identified a new species of dolphin which was once thought to have been the same as an extremely rare mammal predominantly found in Asian coastal waters and rivers...
"It means that Australia now has an endemic species living in its waters and it's a higher conservation priority now," [Isabel] Beasley told Reuters by telephone.
The new species of dolphin has been named Snubfin (as one can see from the photo's below) which has been declared a separate species from the Irrawaddy dolphins of Southeast Asia making them one of the more rare mammals to ever swim the oceans.
An Australian snubfin dolphin is seen in this undated handout picture released by researchers at James Cook University.
It is estimated that approximately 200 of them are off the coast of Townsville which is located in the far northern part of Australia's Queensland state, and although somewhat awkward and beautiful, Australia may have to do more in order to insure that this species does not become extinct in the near future.
Because the new Australian species also lives in shallow waters, Beasley fears they face the same threats as Irrawaddy.
"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 the effects of coastal development," she said.
Hopefully this new species will not share the same fate as the dinosaurs and can be viewed in person by future generations instead of on archaic video screens. Although many scientists are learning everything they can about this new mammal, unless governments become more active in preserving the rare species that are on this planet, we may lose another creature towards human ignorance.
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By Darnell Clayton ⢠9:30 PM ⢠Email Post ⢠â¢
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