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New Hybrid Animal Discovered Near Hawaii

New Hybrid Animal Discovered Near Hawaii

Dolphins

Photo Credit: Kimberly A. Wood | Cascadia Research via AP 2017, via source.
By: Laura O’Brien
Scientists spotted an animal that appeared to be a hybrid between two dolphin species off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii last year. The team who found the unique dolphin were with Cascadia Research Collective. A biologist with the team, Robin Baird, said, “we had the photos and suspected it was a hybrid from morphological characteristics intermediate between species”. A new report from the collective confirms that the animal was indeed a hybrid. Baird told CBS News, “based on the genetics, the father was a rough-toothed dolphin and the mother a melon-headed whale”. Dolphins are toothed whales, which is why melon-headed dolphins are also called melon-headed whales. Melon-headed whales are rare in Hawaiian waters, which makes the discovery even more exciting.

Researchers were able to put a satellite tag on the hybrid dolphin, and take a biopsy sample, which provided the evidence needed to prove that the animal was truly a hybrid. Researchers also tagged a melon-headed whale, and another species that is rare in Hawaii, pantropical spotted dolphins. The team has already made some amazing finds, and we hope that their research will continue to produce new information!

Learn more from our sources here and here. 

Laura O'Brien

About the author:

Hi! My name is Laura and I’m a student in California. I switched from a major in natural resource conservation to physics, because I believe that with my coursework in physics and computer programming, I will be better able to make positive changes for our environment. I’ve loved the ocean and its inhabitants since I was young, and I think that spreading my love for the ocean and educating people about our environment is more important now than ever before. I hope that through education and activism, I can help improve our relationship with the ocean and the environment as a whole.

I love the ocean for so many reasons. It’s hard to narrow it down! I love animals, and marine life is especially amazing to me. I love how diverse the ocean is as a habitat, and I love the amazingly unique creatures that live in it. I also grew up next to the ocean, so my favorite memories are in and around the water. When I was little, I loved to play in the sand and try to catch little crustaceans and fish in the water. Then, when I got older I joined the swim team, and began to surf, snorkel, and kayak; so I saw a whole new side of the sea. To me, the ocean has always felt like home.

I love sea turtles! Growing up in Florida, I have always been a fan of reptiles; which is probably why sea turtles are my favorite ocean inhabitant. They’re cute, they’re clumsy, they’re downright adorable. If I had to pick a certain species, I’d say my favorite are green sea turtles. Sea Turtles: Raddest animals in the sea.

Aside from my studies, I like to stay active mentally and physically. I like to watch documentaries and youtube channels like PBS CrashCourse. Most days I either run in the hills around my house or go climb at my rock gym. Other times, I like to explore trails and even the city, to find new interesting things to do. I’m also a fan of camping, so I love to do that when the opportunity knocks. I also love to go to concerts and music festivals with my friends. And of course, above all, I love to be near the water. I love going out on my friend's boat, and hanging out at the beach. Sunshine and sand under my toes are the best feelings in the world!