Meet the Australian Snubfin Dolphin – An Edemic and Threatened Species

The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) is one of Australia’s only endemic dolphin species, identified as a new species in 2005. This small dolphin is adorable, but it faces conservation threats due to its small population and coastal habitat preference. So this month, let’s celebrate the Australian snubfin dolphin and the 25th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, which is happening right now in Perth, Australia.

A dolphin with a unique look

The Australian Snubfin Dolphin gets its name from its most distinctive feature: a blunt, round head. Unlike their more streamlined bottlenose cousins, these dolphins have a bulbous melon and no beak. They resemble the Irrawaddy dolphins but look more brown than grey.

Irrawaddy dolphins vs. Australian snubfin dolphins

For many years, these dolphins were mistaken for Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) from Southeast Asia. However, genetic studies and physical examinations of their skulls confirmed them as a separate species, uniquely adapted to Australia’s northern waters. Indigenous Traditional Owners have been calling Australian snubfin dolphins munumba.

Interestingly, the Australian snubfin and Irrawaddy dolphins’ closest genetic cousin is the killer whale (Orcinus orca). However, Australian snubfin dolphins share more social interactions with their coastal neighbor, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). The two species are occasionally observed together and can exhibit some social-sexual interactions. Scientists even documented a case of hybridization between a female snubfin dolphin and a male humpback dolphin.

Where do they live?

They are found along Australia’s northern coast, stretching from Roebuck Bay in Western Australia through the Northern Territory to Queensland’s Fitzroy River. They also occur on the coast of Papua New Guinea and typically prefer shallow, estuarine habitats. Although their range may seem broad, these dolphins live in small, isolated groups, making them vulnerable to anthropogenic threats.

Unique behaviors and social life

Snubfin dolphins are typically seen in groups of two to six, though larger gatherings are sometimes observed. Known for their shy nature, they do display social behaviors like tail slapping, or spyhopping (popping their heads out of the water). One of their most fascinating behaviors is “water-spitting.” Snubfin dolphins hunt together, driving fish to the surface and herding them by spitting jets of water to trap them.

Conservation concerns

These dolphins’ preference for coastal areas places them in direct conflict with human activities. Fishing nets, particularly gill-nets, pose a significant risk of entanglement. Coastal development leads to habitat loss, while water pollution and boat strikes further endanger them. Classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN, Australian snubfin dolphins face threats that could intensify with ongoing habitat degradation and climate change.

Their exact population size remains unknown, but the combination of their specific habitat needs, small isolated groups, and rising human pressures calls for increased conservation efforts. But studying these dolphins isn’t easy. Their shy nature, remote habitat, and fragmented population make them difficult to find. Scientists thus use various techniques, including photo identification, acoustic monitoring, and genetic sampling to learn more about these creatures (check the further reading section).

How You Can Help

Want to contribute to Australian Snubfin Dolphin conservation? Here are some ways:

• Support marine conservation organizations in Australia, such as The Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project
• Report dolphin sightings to local wildlife authorities
• Reduce plastic use and properly dispose of waste
• Support sustainable fishing practices, and encourage the use of deterrents on fishing nets (such as pingers)
• Spread awareness about this unique species

The Australian Snubfin Dolphin reminds us that there’s still much to learn about marine mammals in our oceans.

Have you ever seen an Australian Snubfin Dolphin? Share your stories and help spread awareness about this remarkable species!

Sources and further reading

• Beasley, Isabel, Kelly M. Robertson, and Peter Arnold. “Description of a new dolphin, the Australian snubfin dolphin Orcaella heinsohni sp. n.(Cetacea, Delphinidae).” Marine Mammal Science 21.3 (2005): 365-400.
• Brown, Alexander M., et al. “Population differentiation and hybridisation of Australian snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback (Sousa chinensis) dolphins in north-western Australia.” PLoS One 9.7 (2014): e101427.
• Beasley, Isabel, and Alexander M. Brown. “Australian Snubfin Dolphin: Orcaella heinsohni.” Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals. Academic Press, 2018. 47-49.
• Bouchet, Phil J., et al. “Regional assessment of the conservation status of snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) in the Kimberley region, Western Australia.” Frontiers in Marine Science 7 (2021): 614852.

If you enjoyed reading about the Australian snubfin dolphin, check out its cousin, the Irrawaddy dolphin:

The Irrawaddy dolphin needs our help