First video capture of new dolphin species: 05-08-2008
A species of dolphin, identified for the first time only three years ago, has finally been caught on camera.
The snub fin dolphin has the dubious honour of being named the ugliest dolphin in the world due to its bulging head.
The species normally avoids human contact, but was spotted researchers off Western Australia's Kimberley Coast, who used a dart gun to retrieve some DNA for testing.
World Wildlife Fund's Tammie Matson, who is clearly fascinated by the mammals, explained that the dart wouldn't harm the dolphin and provided vital information for scientists.
"It may be the world's ugliest dolphin - some people have said that - but to those of us that have seen them ... I am just absolutely blown away by this creature," she said.
"They are absolutely endearing."
Travellers in Australia who happen to be on a boat or near the coast should keep their eyes peeled as the dolphins are only found in Australian waters.
Lucky travellers could become one of only a handful of lucky people to have seen the magnificent species.
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