Beasley, Isabel, and Brown, Alexander M. (2018) Australian snubfin dolphin. In: Wursig, Bernd, Thewissen, J.G.M., and Kovacs, Kit M., (eds.) Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press, London, UK, pp. 47-49.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

[Extract] The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohm) is a coastal dolphin species in the family Delphinidae, within the genus Orcaella. The other species within the genus is the Irrawaddy dolphin (0. brevirostris). The closest relative to Orcaella is the killer whale Orcinus orca. The Australian snubfin dolphin was first recorded in Australia in 1964 [previously considered Irrawaddy dolphin], when anthropologists found skulls of two Australian snubfin dolphins that had been eaten by Indigenous people in Arnhem land in 1948. The name "snubfin dolphin" was first suggested in 1981, as an alternative common name. This name highlights a diagnostic external character, is appropriate to all populations, and has previously been included in general field guides. The common name, the Australian snubfin dolphin, reflects that the majority of known specimens and morphological work are based on Australian populations.

Item ID:	53398
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Reference)
ISBN:	978-0-12-804327-1
Date Deposited:	13 Nov 2018 02:23
Downloads:	Total: 1
	More Statistics