New Delhi: The body of a spade-toothed whale, a rare species that had never been seen alive, appeared on a New Zealand beach, according to scientists. According to government researchers, the remains of the rare whale, which is five metres (16.4 feet) long, were found near a river mouth in southern Otago province on July 4. It was identified by marine-mammal experts from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) and the national museum, Te Papa, as a male spade-toothed whale.
DOC Coastal Otago Operations Manager Gabe Davies states, “The rarity of the whale means conversations around what to do next will take more time because it is a conversation of international importance.”
Genetic samples have been dispatched to the University of Auckland, which oversees the New Zealand Cetacean Tissue Archive. Analysing the DNA and confirming the final species ID may span several weeks or months. For now, the whale is stored in a cold storage facility to ensure the preservation of the remains while the next steps are being deliberated. Let us uncover more facts about this rare whale species.
Background
This species was initially documented in 1874 based on the discovery of a lower jaw and two teeth recovered from Pitt Island, Rēkohu (Chatham Islands). Subsequently, the skeletal remains of two additional specimens unearthed on Whakāri/White Island and Robinson Crusoe Island (Chile) enabled scientists to validate the existence of a new species. Recent discoveries in the Bay of Plenty and north of Gisborne have contributed to understanding the species’ colour pattern for the first time.
Spade-toothed whale: Some facts to know
What does it look like?
The skull of the spade-toothed beaked whale looks similar to that of the strap-toothed whale. It is believed to be a medium-sized beaked whale, with adult males having two large tusks that protrude halfway along the lower jaw and then curve up and over the beak. Details such as colouration are currently unknown.
Life of spade-toothed-beaked whales
Spade-toothed whales have never been sighted in the wild, and little is known about their behaviour. The mystery surrounding this key aspect of their existence underscores the need for further research. They are assumed to have similar traits to other Mesoplodon genus members, but this area requires more exploration.
Where can you find spade-toothed beaked whales?
The spade-toothed beaked whale, a rare and elusive species, was discovered through the remains of three specimens in New Zealand and Chile. Its habitat is confined to the southern hemisphere, possibly limited to the South Pacific region. Despite these findings, there is still uncertainty surrounding the complete range of their distribution. This rarity underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these enigmatic creatures.
What do spade-toothed beaked whales eat?
Like other deep-diving marine mammals, beaked whales are believed to feed on squid primarily. Their diving capabilities allow them to access deep-water squid species inaccessible to different predators.
The rarest whale in the world may have recently been found on a beach in New Zealand. Spade-toothed whales are a type of beaked whale known for their teeth, which resemble the spade-like “flensing” blade used to strip whales of their blubber. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
