Coastal boom threatens rare Australian river dolphin - Australian Geographic

Coastal boom threatens rare Australian river dolphin - Australian Geographic:

A POPULATION OF a rare and little-understood dolphin living in Queensland's Fitzroy River is threatened by development, says experts calling for them to be better protected.

The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) was only recognised as a separate species in 2005, having been previously confused with the Irrawaddy River dolphin of south-east Asia.

Its rounded forehead and small dorsal fin make the animal unique. It is found from Broome, WA, around the north of Australia to the Fitzroy River, QLD, which is its most southern extent.