Scientists name new species of cetacean:

[Still Waters]

The study describing the newly named species is the culmination of a 17-year long systematic examination of all available historical records, physical descriptions, and genetic data of humpback dolphins -- a widespread group of coastal cetaceans ranging from the coast of West Africa to the northern coast of Australia. The Australian humpback dolphin becomes the fourth recognized humpback dolphin species.

http://www.scienceda...40801125052.htm

[freetoroam]

I am confused, how can it be new to science if its been studied for so long? Adding the name "Australian" to it does not make it new to science, its still a humpback dolphin which was known about.

"We've finally managed to settle many long-standing questions about humpback dolphins -- particularly how many species actually exist -- using a huge body of data collected over two centuries and analyzed with the latest scientific tools," said Dr. Jefferson.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140801125052.htm

"The formal recognition and naming of a new species brings with it a need to formulate or update plans for protection of these dolphins,"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140801125052.htm

update plans? should they not ALL be protected no matter what they are called?