Extremely rare whale washes up on New Zealand beach

The remains of a five-metre-long Travers' beaked whale were found on July 4 near a river estuary in the Otago region of New Zealand.

The carcass of a Travers' beaked whale, a rare species never seen alive before, has washed up on a New Zealand beach, scientists say.

Only six documented samples.

The remains of the five-metre-long whale were found on July 4 near a river mouth in the Otago region, southeast of the South Island, researchers said. Marine mammal experts from the New Zealand Department of Conservation and Te Papa National Museum have identified the whale as a male.

“These whales are one of the most famous large mammals of modern times.“We are delighted to be working with Coastal Otago to ensure that the wildlife remains safe and protected,” said Gabby Davies, Coastal Otago’s conservation operations manager.Since the 19th century, only six specimens have been documented worldwide, and only one was not from New Zealand.“Mr. Davis said in a statement.

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DNA analysis in progress

“This discovery was recent enough to provide the first opportunity to dissect a Travers' beaked whale.The Ministry of Environmental Conservation stressed that this species “So rare that we know practically nothing about it.He added that the whale's body is in cold storage and that samples of its DNA have been sent to the University of Auckland for analysis and confirmation of its identity, which could take months or weeks.The rarity of this whale means that conversations about what to do next will take longer because it is a conversation of international importance.“The ministry said,”

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Almost unknown species

This species was first described in 1874 from a lower jaw and teeth collected from the Chatham Islands, off the east coast of New Zealand.[…]

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