Secrets of rare Aussie dolphin unearthed by new research
14 Apr 2009
A preliminary study has unearthed the top ten facts about the mysterious life of the recently discovered and very rare snubfin dolphin.
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The research, funded by ING DIRECT, has given an overview of the life and habits of this native marine mammal, affectionately named 'snubby' by researchers, which lives in tight-knit social groups along our northern coastlines.
WWF-Australia's Marine and Coasts Manager Lydia Gibson says the small dolphins hunt in groups and use an extraordinary spitting technique to catch their prey - chasing fish to the surface of the water, and rounding them up by shooting jets of water from their mouths.
"This is incredibly unusual behaviour, first seen in Australia off the Kimberley Coast, has only been noted before in Irrawaddy dolphins, which are closely related to this species. It also confirms the snubfin dolphin is a fascinating animal, one which we know so little about."
Ms Gibson says the WWF/ING DIRECT research has been collating existing information from many sightings over the years while also gathering new valuable data about snubfin habitats across northern Australia.
"These top ten facts were uncovered to better understand what we do and do not know about the snubfin dolphin. They will provide us with the benchmark we need to inform conservationists, government and scientists about how best to conserve and manage this unique and threatened species for future generations."
The ten key findings from the research so far show that:
- Threats to mangrove systems from rising sea levels predicted with climate change and from human impacts such as dam construction, dredging and other destructive activities are the greatest threat to the snubfin.Where mangrove systems are destroyed or damaged, the snubfins will lose their food and their habitat/home.
- Snubfins are very susceptible to chemical pollution, viruses and bacteria because they live close to shore and have a relatively small range. A parasite found in cat faeces (Toxoplasma gondii) is of particular concern, as it was found - via contaminated run-off - to be the cause of death of three Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins recovered around Townsville in the period 2000-2001.
- Snubfin dolphins are more likely than other dolphins to be caught in gill nets because they prefer inshore estuarine habitats where river-nets are set.
- Snubfin families appear to spend much of their lives in very small territories close to shore. This means snubfin populations can be heavily impacted by habitat destruction and unsustainable development.
Ms Gibson said that habitat destruction was the key threat to these coastal dolphins.
"There are already development proposals around the Great Barrier Reef that could affect their habitat - like the extension of the Townsville Port - that could have major impacts on these species. We must work with all relevant stakeholders to initiate a strategic environment assessment of future developments close to snubfin habitats."
Australia's largest online bank, ING DIRECT, joined WWF-Australia's flagship species conservation program to help fund research into the snubfin dolphin, primarily in QLD.
"We are even more proud now that we have been able to help researchers uncover a range of remarkable facts and insights that may help preserve this remarkable creature long into the future," said Christian Bohlke, ING DIRECT Head of Branding and Communications.
ING DIRECT's funded research has not only given insights into the, until now, secret lives of these dolphins, it has also revealed the threats they face from man. "This overview sets the stage for the ongoing research needed to help us discover ways to minimise our impact on these unique Australian creatures. Companies like ING DIRECT that fund this research are helping us preserve an extraordinary creature and are building a legacy that will be enjoyed by Australians for generations to come," Mr Bohlke continued.
Click here to donate to our Snub Fin dolphin work »
For further media enquiries
Alvin Stone, Media Officer, WWF-Australia,
(02) 8202 1259, 0410 221 068
Lydia Gibson, Marine and Coasts Policy Manager, WWF-Australia,
(02) 8202 1277, 0406 382 498
David Breen, ING Direct, (02) 9028 4347, 0412 933 060
