This is the rarest whale in the world
You are browsing the Radio Canada website.
Navigation help
Save time, read the summary!
The summaries are first designed to be consulted in the RC Info app. To access it, scan this QR code.
You can also check out the latest news on the web.
Save time, read the summary!
The summaries are designed primarily to be referenced from the RC Info app.
-
-
Photo: AFP/Corporation
This is the rarest whale in the world
-
The body of a Travers' beaked whale, the world's rarest whale species and about which little is known, was recently found on a beach in New Zealand. The male was about 5 metres long.
-
6
That's how many specimens have been documented worldwide since the 19th century, all but one in New Zealand. None of these marine mammals have ever been seen alive. That makes the discovery of one of these stranded whales all the more extraordinary.
-
“It's definitely exciting. Especially since it's a still intact body, we know we'll be able to learn more.”
Christine Stadelman
Senior Naturalist, Marine Mammal Research and Education Group
-
His DNA samples have been sent to the University of Auckland to confirm his identity. The whale's body is being stored in a cold room to preserve it while awaiting future tests.
Photo: Instagram/New Zealand Department of Conservation
-
learn more
Specimens stranded in New Zealand in 2010 and 2017 have allowed the species’ colour patterns to be described for the first time, and scientists hope this new discovery will take their knowledge even further.
-
Want to see more?
Download the RC Info app to access all the news or view the latest news here.
Check out the latest news
“Reader. Travel maven. Student. Passionate tv junkie. Internet ninja. Twitter advocate. Web nerd. Bacon buff.”