ING
ING DIRECT is supporting WWF and project partner NRETA (Northern Territory Government) to research and help protect Australia's only endemic dolphin, and the first new dolphin species to be discovered in over 50 years - the Australian snubfin dolphin.
Very little is known about the snubfin dolphin. Until very recently the snubfin was thought to be an Irrawaddy dolphin, which is found in the coastal rivers of south east Asia. Recent studies in Queensland have shown that it is a distinct species that is endemic, meaning it is unique to Northern Australia and not found anywhere else in the world.
Unlike many other dolphins, the snubfin normally occurs in small groups, is shy and does not like riding the bow wave created by boats. The species is strongly linked to the mouths of tidal rivers within 10km of land, in water less than 10m deep and within 10km of the nearest river mouth.
Only a small number of snubfin dolphins have been found. The range of the species may extend into Papua New Guinea, but the majority live in northern Australian waters from the Kimberley in the west, across the Top End and as far east as Yeppoon in Queensland. They are not thought to be common and may indeed be threatened by unsustainable fisheries, by-catch, habitat loss and potentially climate change.
WWF has allocated the snubfin dolphin the highest status as a Priority One Flagship Species.
Because so little is known about Australia's only endemic dolphin, research is absolutely essential in order to identify important areas where they live, monitor their activities and determine if the different populations are related to each other.
ING DIRECT has funded the purchase of a research boat to enable vital research into the snubfin dolphin. Using boat-based surveys, photo-identification and genetic sampling methods, information will be gathered about the number of dolphins, where they live along the northern coast of Australia and the impact human activity is having on them.
ING DIRECT is also helping to raise further funding by encouraging their customers to switch to online statements. For every customer that opts to receive online statements ING DIRECT will donate a further $2 to WWF. Not only are ING DIRECT online statements better for the environment, using less paper and energy and reducing waste, it also helps fund vital research into the snubfin dolphin.
WWF is delighted to have the support of ING DIRECT and look forward to working together to protect Australia’s rare and unique snubfin dolphin.
You can listen to a snubfin dolphin:
http://www.abc.net.au/kimberley/stories/s1950344.htm
