SPECIES: Macronectes giganteus — Southern Giant Petrel
CLASSIFICATION: Endangered
With their rounded forehead, small dorsal fin, and unique brown, grey and white colouring, Australian Snubfin Dolphins are unlike any other dolphin in the world. These shy, social mammals are known for their expressive faces, playful nature, and the occasional cheeky spurt of water from their blowholes during interactions. Found only in northern Australian waters, they prefer sheltered coastal habitats – mangroves, estuaries, and river mouths – where they quietly move in small groups.
But their charm offers little protection from the threats they face. Habitat degradation, entanglement in fishing nets, vessel strikes, pollution and coastal development all pose serious risks. With some local populations numbering fewer than 1,000 individuals, they have recently been listed as a now vulnerable species on the EPBC.