Scientists examine rare spade-toothed whale found in New Zealand, revealing death from head injuries.

Scientists believe the first complete specimen of the world's rarest whale, the spade-toothed whale, found on a New Zealand beach in July, died from head injuries. The 5-meter male had a broken jaw and bruising to the head and neck. The dissection, which incorporated Indigenous Māori knowledge, revealed nine stomach chambers containing squid and parasitic worms. The Māori will retain the jawbone and teeth, while the skeleton will be displayed in a museum.

3 months ago
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