RARE SPADE-TOOTHED WHALE WASHES ASHORE IN NEW ZEALAND

Thu 18 July 2024:

A rare whale washed ashore in New Zealand, and officials state “nothing is known about” this species. The whale was discovered last week near Taiari Mouth in the Otago region of the South Island. The Department of Conservation (DoC) was alerted by locals.

The 5-meter long creature appears to be a male spade-toothed whale, a species so rare that almost nothing is known about them, according to a DoC statement. Gabe Davies, DoC Coastal Otago Operations Manager, said, “If confirmed, this will be a very significant scientific find.”

In this photo provided by the Department of Conservation, rangers inspect what is believed to be a rare spade-toothed whale on July 5, 2024, after it was found washed ashore on a beach near Otago, New Zealand. (Department of Conservation via AP)

Image:Pic: Department Of Conservation/AP

“Spade-toothed whales are one of the most poorly known large mammalian species of modern times. Since the 1800s, only 6 samples have ever been documented worldwide, and all but one of these was from New Zealand. From a scientific and conservation point of view, this is huge,” Davies added.

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The DoC is planning the next steps for the whale’s remains, noting that a specimen this fresh offers the first opportunity to dissect a spade-toothed whale. Genetic samples have been sent to the University of Auckland for processing, and it may take weeks or months to confirm the species ID.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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