Researchers in northern Australia say that they have identified a previously unknown species of humpback dolphin. The researchers, who traced the dolphin's evolutionary history and used genetic testing on 235 dolphins, found that there were enough differences in one group to justify the creation of a new species.

In a press release, Dr. Martin Mendez, the lead author of the study, announced that the findings of their analysis suggest that the humpback dolphin genus includes at least four member species. "This discovery helps our understanding of the evolutionary history of this group and informs conservation policies to help safeguard each of the species," said Mendez.

The study was published in the most recent edition of Molecular Ecology.