Coastal Dolphin Research Project
Two of the most rare species of coastal dolphin are being studied in Northern Territory waters for the first time.
Australian snubfin Orcaella heinsohni
Image courtesy of Dr Guido Parra, University of Queensland
Research
Two coastal dolphins, the Australian snubfin Orcaella heinsohni, (formerly the Irrawaddy dolphin) and Indo-Pacific humpback Sousa chinensis are the focus of a new research project, being conducted by the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts (NRETA) Biodiversity Conservation Division.
The project, has received funding from Kakadu National Park (KNP), World Wide
Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Flagship Species Program (sponsorship by ING Direct) and
the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).
The project funding will allow for research to be undertaken at 3 study sites:
- Kakadu National Park - Alligator Rivers (funded by KNP)
- Darwin Harbour (funded by WWF)
- Coburg Marine Park (funded by NHT and NT Parks and Wildlife)
Project Collaborators
Professor Chris Austin, Charles Darwin University
Dr Guido Parra, University of Queensland
http://www.uq.edu.au/vetschool/index.html?page=47564&pid=47559
Dr Deborah Thiele
Tony Griffiths – Biodiversity Conservation Division, NRETA
http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/programs/staff/north/griffiths.html
