Hidden in plain sight: Humpback dolphin species

Not all new species are found in previously unexplored areas; sometimes a new species is hidden in plain sight and revealed with further study.

New fossil species are occasionally found in museum collections. They may have been originally misidentified but closer inspection can reveal morphological differences that mark the specimen out as a distinct species. In the case of modern plants and animals, advances in the field of genetics and molecular sciences, and the techniques used to study them, have led to new discoveries in environments that humans have already explored.

In this video Stephanie describes recent research undertaken by another international team of scientists. By examining genetical and morphological features, the team discovered that the little-known Humpback dolphin, (Genus name Sousa) can be split into four distinct species:

• Sousa teuszii (Atlantic, West Africa)
• Sousa plumbea (Central and western Indian Ocean)
• Sousa chinensis (Eastern Indian and West Pacific Oceans)
• Sousa sahulensis (Northern Australia)

This has important conservation implications; especially in the case of coastal species such as Humpback dolphins which are under particular threat from human activities.

The original scientific papers are available online. You will find the links at the bottom of this step.