14 Jun 2023

New, but extinct, dolphin species discovered in New Zealand

From Afternoons, 1:15 pm on 14 June 2023

Scientists today have added one more creature to New Zealand's list of fascinating extinct animals.

After studying a fossilised skull found in North Otago in the late 1990s, researchers from the University of Otago have logged a new species of native dolphin.

It's been named 'Nihohae matakoi', and its most distinct feature was a set of sharp horizontally positioned teeth at the tip of its mouth.

A reconstruction has been illustrated, which you'll be able to find on our website. Dr Carolina Loch, a senior lecturer for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Otago talks to Jesse about the discovery.

Nihohae matakoi reconstruction

Nihohae matakoi reconstruction Photo: supplied