A Rare Spade-Toothed Whale Found Dead on New Zealand Beach
In a rare and remarkable discovery, scientists in New Zealand have identified a spade-toothed whale that washed ashore earlier this month. The five-meter-long creature, found at the mouth of the Taiari river in Otago province on New Zealand’s South Island, is so rare that it has never been seen alive.
The whale’s identity was determined by scientists through its color patterns, skull shape, beak, and teeth. Its remains have been placed in cold storage for DNA testing, which experts say may take several weeks to confirm. The spade-toothed whale is one of the least known large mammalian species, with only six documented samples worldwide.
Researchers are hopeful that the discovery of this carcass will provide crucial new information about the elusive species. Department of Conservation (DOC) official Gabe Davies called the find “huge” from a scientific and conservation standpoint.
Due to the recent death of the specimen, it could become the first spade-toothed whale to be dissected. Local Maori communities, who consider whales sacred treasures, will be involved in deciding the whale’s fate.
The spade-toothed whale was first described in 1874 after a lower jaw and two teeth were collected from New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. Additional skeletal remains found off islands in New Zealand and Chile confirmed the existence of a new species. Recent findings of stranded whales in 2010 and 2017 have added to the small collection of spade-toothed whale specimens.
This rare discovery has sparked excitement among scientists and conservationists, offering a unique opportunity to learn more about this mysterious and little-known species.
