Rarely sighted Spade-toothed whale washed ashore

[xpert11]

A type of beaked whale species has washed ashore in Otago - and it is so scarcely seen, scientists say it could take weeks to confirm its DNA.
The Department of Conservation (Doc) said its staff were told a whale about five metres long had washed ashore near Taieri Mouth on July 4.
After inspection and consultation with marine mammal experts from Doc and Te Papa, it was believed the creature was a male spade-toothed whale.

https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-nat...hmShh5BStA

Barring the DNA throwing up an unexpected result, then this is a chance for researchers to study the little-known Spade-toothed whale. I am interested in those scientists' findings and how they further their understanding of that whale species.

For the international reader: How the rarely Spade-toothed landed on New Zealand's shore is remarkable. Otherwise, whales beaching themselves on Kiwi shores isn't unusual.

[Maxmars]

It's amazing how little we know about Spade-toothed whales and how few of them have ever been examined.  I hope this creature gets a good thorough study.

It looks very much like a giant dolphin from my layman's point of view.  But much longer.

[xpert11]

It looks very much like a giant dolphin from my layman's point of view.  But much longer.

Agreed. Interestingly, a Spade-toothed whale resembles a dolphin but is a different species. Yet, the orca is a species of dolphin, despite its gigantic size and larger size compared to that of its cousins.

In the case of Orcas, I wonder how much of their behaviour is derived from belonging to the Dolphin family. Moreover, so little is known about Spade-toothed whales, so does that prevent a similar assessment beyond superficial resemblance?

[Maxmars]

I suppose this is a regional species... which could account for their rarity.  Also, I understand that this whale has never been observed alive.