6-times documented spade-toothed whale found on Otago beach, New Zealand; only 5 known samples globally.
An extremely rare, six-times documented spade-toothed whale has washed ashore on an Otago beach in New Zealand. This whale species, considered one of the most poorly known large mammalian species, has only five known samples worldwide, all found in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation (DoC) has been working with Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou to create a plan for the whale's remains and analyze the DNA samples sent to the University of Auckland. If confirmed, this discovery would be a significant scientific and conservation breakthrough.
July 15, 2024
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