Researchers in New Zealand believe that a whale carcass found washed up on a beach may be a spade-toothed whale, one of the rarest whales in the world.
Spade-toothed whales have never been observed alive and very little is known about them. Only 6 previous specimens have been found.
The whale was identified by its color patterns and skull/teeth shape. Genetic testing will confirm if it is a spade-toothed whale.
If confirmed, it would be the first intact specimen available to scientists to dissect and learn about its biology, diet, and relationship to other specimens.
Studying this whale could provide the first clues about the habitat and behavior of the highly elusive spade-toothed whales, which are thought to live in the deep waters of the southern Pacific Ocean.
Dissection and analysis of the whale would be carried out in collaboration with local Māori tribes, who consider whales sacred cultural treasures under indigenous law.
Finding this whale provides a rare opportunity for scientists to learn about one of the world’s least known whale species from direct examination of a complete specimen.
Source: AP
