Thursday, July 01, 2010

New species of porpoise from China?

Recent studies of the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), which ranges from the Persian Gulf to Japan, produced a surprise. A population of under 1,000 animals which occupies China's Yangtze River forms a distinct genetic group, which may qualify as a separate species. If it is a species, it is - sadly but not surprisingly - a highly endangered one.

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