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New type of river dolphin is discovered
An Amazon river dolphin – now scientists say they have discovered a new species, for the first time in nearly 100 years
An Amazon river dolphin – now scientists say they have discovered a new species, for the first time in nearly 100 years

First discovery of its type in nearly 100 years

Scientists in Brazil say they have identified a new species of river dolphin, the first to be discovered in nearly 100 years.

River dolphins are among the most endangered mammals in the world.
The new species was found in the Araguaia River Basin in Brazil.

Researchers from the  Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) and the National Research Institute of the Amazon (INPA) in Brazil and  say the species separated from other Amazonian dolphins more than two million years ago.

"This discovery highlights the immensity of the deficit in our knowledge of Neotrpical biodiversity, as well as vulnerability of  biodiversity to anthropogenic actions in an increasingly threatened landscape," wrote lead author Tomas Hrbek in the journal Plos One .

The research paper added that three of the four existing species of river dolphin are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list as under threat.

See the findings in full at Plos One.

Image (C) Benjli/Wikimedia

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.