MELBOURNE, Australia — Scientists believe that the world’s rarest whale, known as the spade-toothed whale, may have succumbed to head injuries, according to a specialist’s statement released on Friday.
Last week marked the completion of the first detailed dissection of this beaked whale species at a research facility near Dunedin, New Zealand. The analysis was conducted by a scientific team from the local group Te R?nanga ?t?kou, in collaboration with the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
In July, a remarkably preserved male specimen measuring 5 meters (16 feet) was discovered on a beach on South Island. This is the first fully intact spade-toothed whale ever documented. In total, only seven sightings of this whale species have been recorded, and none of these have involved a live specimen.
Anton van Helden, an expert on beaked whales at New Zealand’s conservation agency, indicated that the whale’s broken jaw along with detailed bruising around the head and neck point towards head trauma as a potential cause of death. “While we can’t be certain, we suspect some type of trauma occurred, though the exact cause is still uncertain,” van Helden remarked.
The unique stomach structure of this species intrigued researchers, as similar beaked whale species have diverse digestive systems. Upon examination, scientists discovered that the spade-toothed whale had nine stomach chambers filled with remnants of squid and parasitic worms, according to the statement.
Among the noteworthy discoveries were tiny vestigial teeth located in the upper jaw. “These small teeth embedded in the gum provide insights into their evolutionary background. It’s astonishing to see this feature and adds to our understanding of the species,” van Helden expressed, highlighting the significance of the finds.
Van Helden described the experience of the dissection as unforgettable, calling it a highlight of his career and a foundational moment for sharing the story of this remarkable creature.
Moreover, this dissection was exceptional as it included a collaboration between scientists and local M?ori people, who integrated Indigenous knowledge and traditions throughout the procedure. After the dissection, the local iwi, or tribe, will retain the whale’s jawbone and teeth, while the rest of the skeleton will be showcased in a museum. To preserve these elements, 3D printing technology will be utilized to create replicas of the parts kept by the iwi.
For M?ori culture, whales are considered a taonga, or a precious treasure, and this particular creature has been honored with the respect usually reserved for ancestors.
New Zealand is recognized as a hotspot for whale strandings, with over 5,000 incidents recorded since 1840, according to the Department of Conservation. The earliest discovery of spade-toothed whale bones dates back to 1872 on Pitt Island in New Zealand, followed by another find in the 1950s on an offshore island, and a further discovery on Robinson Crusoe Island in Chile in 1986.