In New Zealand, a very rare Travers' beaked whale has been discovered on the beach.
Animals – We know practically nothing about them, but that could change. In early July, the carcass of a stranded whale was found on a beach in the village of Taieri Mouth, located on the South Island of New Zealand. As you can see in our video at the top of the article, The animal is about five metres long and does not look like an ordinary whale, but rather like a large dolphin.
According to the Department of Conservation, which was able to examine the carcass, it is a Travers' beaked whale, also known as the world's rarest whale. And for good reason: if its species is confirmed, this male would be only the seventh specimen known to scientists since the 19th century.
Similar bodies have already been found in New Zealand, but as explained, AFP NewsThey were buried before DNA testing could be done. This time, the whale will be kept in a cold room before being dissected. locationThe Department of Conservation says genetic samples have already been sent to the University of Auckland.
Identifying the male could take months, but it will allow scientists to learn more about the habitat, lifestyle and appearance of these mysterious cetaceans. Travers’ beaked whales have yet to be observed alive, but in 2010, the intact body of a mother and her calf was found in New Zealand. The last specimen was discovered in 2017.
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