07-15-2024, 02:49 AM
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.
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.
