Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
New dolphin species researched on Capricorn Coast
On Queensland's Capricorn Coast, research is taking place on a dolphin species that was only identified in 2005 - the Australian Snubfin Dolphin.
The first new dolphin species to be discovered in more than 50 years, the Snubfin was confused for years with the Irrawaddy Dolphin. Now recognised as a species on its own, it is three coloured - dark, light brown and white - has a rounded forehead, unlike other Australian dolphins, and a very small snubby dorsal fin.
PhD student, Italian-born Daniele Cagnazzi, is in his element in leading the research project. With some hand-picked volunteers, he will spend more than two years investigating the Snubfin dolphin, together with other dolphins in the region including the Humpback and Bottlenose dolphins.
Shane Westley, Fitzroy Basin Association Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator, said more information was needed on all three of the dolphin species to ensure their conservation.
"Snubfin and Humpback dolphins are particularly vulnerable, as they tend to be found in small localised populations," he said. "If there's an isolated population at the mouth of the Fitzroy River for example, it's important we look after them."
Funding
The project is being undertaken through the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre which has received $88,000 from the Australian Government, through the Fitzroy Basin Association.
Activities
Daniele will be recording dolphin numbers, behaviour, habitat use and movement patterns. His research will also include a comprehensive DNA study of the dolphins.
"We will be collecting dolphin skin samples, by firing a dart behind the dorsal fin to collect a few millimetres of skin and blubber," he said. "These can help us determine the dolphin's sex, social relationships, movement patterns and genetic variation.
"The dart is designed to bounce off the dolphin and then float in the water."
The project is using volunteers prepared to dedicate two to three months of hard work at a stretch.
"I need about four volunteers at any one time," Daniele said. "We want people who have some knowledge of dolphins, are easy going and prepared to go out in a boat for around 10 hours a day, sometimes starting at around four in the morning."
Daniele has undertaken the first steps in his project, identifying where the dolphins are most commonly found and beginning to take photos of dorsal fins - the dolphin equivalent of a thumbprint.
More information
- Daniele Cagnazzi, PhD student: 0439 782 243
- Shane Westley, FBA Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator: (07) 4999 2809
- Fitzroy Basin Association : (07) 4999 2800
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window