One of the rarest whales in the world has washed up on a beach in New Zealand. To date, only a handful of specimens of the so-called Bahamonde beaked whales are known to science. The recently deceased animal must be dissected.
“Bahamian beaked whales are one of the least known large mammal species of modern times,” said Gebe Davies of the local Department of Conservation (DOC). “From a scientific and animal welfare perspective, this is a major concern.” The dead whale, which was discovered near Dunedin in the South Island, is currently in cold storage to preserve its remains. Genetic samples have already been sent for analysis.
Never seen alive in the sea
The carcass is approximately five metres long. Little is known about the Bahamonde’s beaked whale. It lives in the South Pacific Ocean, although the animals have never been documented living in the sea. Jaw fragments and teeth of this species of whale were first found in 1874, and two complete specimens were found for the first time in 2010. The mother and her calf washed up on the North Island of New Zealand and died shortly afterwards.
Characteristics include a dark area around the eyes, a white belly, dark fins, and a dark back and bill. Previous finds have been confused with the Camperdown whale.
Source: Krone
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