- Rare spade-toothed whale washes ashore in Otago, only six known to science.
- DOC and Te Papa marine experts confirmed the rare species find.
- Genetic samples sent to the University of Auckland for species confirmation.
A whale so rare that only six specimens have ever been documented has washed ashore on an Otago beach. On Thursday, 4 July, the Department of Conservation (DOC) staff received reports of a beaked whale, approximately 5 metres long, near Taiari Mouth. After inspection and consultation with marine mammal experts from DOC and Te Papa, it was identified as a male spade-toothed whale – a species so rare that very little is known about it.
DOC Coastal Otago Operations Manager Gabe Davies says, “Spade-toothed whales are one of the most poorly known large mammalian species of modern times. Since the 1800s, only 6 samples have ever been documented worldwide, and all but one of these was from New Zealand. From a scientific and conservation point of view, this is huge.”
The DOC is collaborating with Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou to plan the next steps for the whale’s remains. This fresh specimen offers the first opportunity ever for a spade-toothed whale to be dissected. Gabe noted that the rarity of the whale means discussions on the next steps will take more time, as it is a matter of international importance.
Te Rūnanga ō Ōtakou chair Nadia Wesley-Smith said, “It is important to ensure appropriate respect for this taoka is shown through the shared journey of learning, applying mātauraka Māori as we discover more about this rare species.”
Genetic samples have been sent to the University of Auckland, curators of the New Zealand Cetacean Tissue Archive. It may take several weeks or months to process the DNA and confirm the species.
The species was first described in 1874 from a lower jaw and two teeth collected from Pitt Island, Chatham Islands. This, along with skeletal remains found on White Island and in Chile, enabled scientists to confirm a new species. Recent findings in the Bay of Plenty and north of Gisborne have helped describe the species’ colour pattern.
The whale has been carefully removed from the beach by local contractor Trevor King Earthmoving. Local rūnaka members and Otago Museum staff were also on site to support and document the event. The whale is currently in cold storage, preserving the remains until the next steps are decided.