Scientists are investigating the tragic death of the world’s rarest whale, the spade-toothed whale, after the first complete specimen of this elusive creature was discovered washed ashore on New Zealand’s South Island.
This remarkable find, a 5-meter (16-foot) male, occurred back in July and was the first specimen ever recorded for the species, which has only seen seven confirmed sightings, none of them being live whales. It was subject to thorough dissection last week at a research facility located near Dunedin, led by Te Rūnanga Ōtākou, the local indigenous iwi.
Initial findings suggest the whale succumbed to significant head trauma. Experts, including Anton van Helden from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, noted evidence such as broken jaws and bruising around the head and neck, pointing to potential trauma as the likely cause of death. Van Helden commented, “We don’t know, but we suspect there must have been some sort of trauma, but what caused it could be anyone’s guess.”
The dissection uncovered intriguing details about the whale’s anatomy. Researchers discovered nine distinct stomach chambers filled with remnants of squid and signs of parasitic worms, showcasing previously unknown aspects of the spade-toothed whale's diet. The excitement didn’t stop there; they also found tiny vestigial teeth embedded within the upper jaw, shedding light on the evolutionary history of this species. Van Helden expressed his amazement, stating, “These little teeth embedded in the gum tell us something about their evolutionary history. It’s remarkable to see this, and it’s just another thing we had no idea about.”
This scientific process was not just about the findings; it was also significant for cultural reasons. Throughout the dissection process, the team worked collaboratively with local Māori communities, ensuring Indigenous knowledge and customs were integrated, illustrating respect for the creature, which holds substantial cultural significance to the Māori people. Following the dissection, the iwi will retain the jawbone and teeth as they prepare to display the whale's skeleton in a museum. This is especially poignant as, to Māori, whales are considered taonga — treasures of great cultural importance.
New Zealand has had its fair share of whale strandings, with over 5,000 incidents recorded since 1840, reflecting the nation’s status as a whale stranding hotspot. The first remains of spade-toothed whales were discovered back in 1872 on Pitt Island, New Zealand, with periodic discoveries continuing throughout the decades.
The dissection of the spade-toothed whale stands as more than just a scientific milestone; it marks the beginning of broader narratives about this rare species. It opens up discussions on how researchers can collaborate with local communities to reflect their values and stories through scientific exploration. Van Helden affectionately remarked, “It’s a week I’ll never forget, and it’s certainly a highlight and the start of storytelling around this beautiful animal.”
These findings contribute to the limited knowledge about the spade-toothed whale, whose existence is still shrouded in mystery. This rare creature's presence has been virtually absent from the scientific community's discourse, with no living individual ever observed. Its near-total absence from both the marine and scientific realms adds to the poignancy of this investigation.
The insights gathered from this dissection could pave the way for more extensive research on beaked whales, providing clearer information on their diets, behaviors, and habitats, filling gaps within marine biology. Further, it highlights the relationship between humans and marine life, reminding us of the importance of respecting and preserving these magnificent creatures.
