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Rare Spade-toothed Whale Found Dead on New Zealand Beach

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 16, 2024

News Views: 48

A rare spade-toothed whale, a species so elusive it has never been seen alive, was discovered dead on a beach in New Zealand earlier this month. Scientists have identified the five-meter-long creature based on its unique color patterns, skull shape, beak structure, and teeth.

The carcass was found near the Taiari river estuary in Otago province, South Island, on July 4th. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) has taken custody of the remains, placing them in cold storage for DNA testing. Experts caution that confirming the whale’s identity may take several weeks due to the rarity of the species and limited scientific knowledge.

Spade-toothed whales are among the least understood large mammals globally, with only six documented specimens ever recorded worldwide. Gabe Davies of the DOC emphasized the significance of the find for both scientific research and conservation efforts, calling it a monumental discovery.

Given the recent death of the whale, scientists hope this opportunity will provide crucial insights into the species through potential dissection, marking a milestone in understanding these mysterious creatures.

The spade-toothed whale was first described in 1874 based on jaw and teeth fragments from New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Subsequent discoveries of skeletal remains off New Zealand and Chile have further confirmed its existence, with recent strandings in 2010 and 2017 adding to the limited collection.

Local Maori communities, who hold whales in high cultural regard, will play a role in determining the whale’s future, respecting their traditional values alongside scientific inquiry.