New Zealand Department of Conservation Begins Research After Freezing Storage
"A Tremendous Event from the Perspective of Science and Species Conservation"
A carcass presumed to be a fan-toothed beaked whale, a rare marine mammal species of which only seven have ever been found worldwide, has washed ashore on a New Zealand beach, drawing significant attention.
On the 16th (local time), the U.S. 'Washington Post' reported that a whale carcass stranded on the Otago coast of New Zealand's South Island was discovered on the 4th. Based on the whale's body color, skull shape, beak, and teeth, it was estimated to be a fan-toothed beaked whale, a rare marine mammal. The whale is male and measures 5.5 meters in length.
New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) issued a statement explaining, "The fan-toothed beaked whale is one of the least known large mammals globally, with only six specimens recorded worldwide since the 1800s." Including the recently found carcass, the total is seven.
The DOC emphasized, "All but one were found in New Zealand," calling it "an extraordinary event from scientific and species conservation perspectives." The newly discovered carcass is relatively less damaged, making it the first specimen suitable for a complete dissection. A DOC official who towed the whale carcass told the media, "It was a perfectly preserved specimen," adding, "There was no smell, and it was clear the whale had died recently."
Scientists expect that dissecting this whale carcass will help clarify the relationship between the fan-toothed beaked whale and other whale species. They also hope to gain clues about what this whale feeds on and its exact habitat.
The whale carcass is currently being stored frozen to prevent decomposition. A research team from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, is analyzing DNA samples taken from the carcass.
Meanwhile, the fan-toothed beaked whale was first introduced to humanity in 1874. At that time, a jaw fragment was found on Pitt Island, New Zealand, leading to the classification of the species as a distinct member of the beaked whale family. However, it was not confirmed for over 100 years and was presumed extinct.
Then, in 2010, relatively intact carcasses of a mother and calf were found on Opape Beach, North Island, New Zealand, advancing research. Scientists currently infer the appearance of the fan-toothed beaked whale based on the recovered carcasses. This whale is characterized by a black snout, dark fins, and a white belly, with a beak similar to that of a dolphin.
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