Scientists dissect ‘world’s rarest whale’ for clues on little-known species

Only seven spade-tooth whales have ever been documented, now work is beginning on a specimen that washed ashore in New Zealand in July

A spade-tooth whale – thought to be the world’s rarest whale species – is undergoing dissection in New Zealand, in the first ever examination of a complete specimen.

Spade-toothed whales are a type of beaked whale named for their teeth resembling the spade-like “flensing” blade once used to strip whales of their blubber. Just seven have been documented since the 1800s, with all but one found in New Zealand.

Topics

This whale species is so rare it's never been seen alive. A dissection may decode its mysteries

Scientists and culture experts in New Zealand have begun the first-ever dissection of a spade-toothed whale, the world's rarest whale species
ABC News - 1d
Scientists baffled as orcas seem to revive an 80s trend: dead salmon hats

At least one of the marine mammals was recently spotted in Washington wearing the multipurpose fishy accessory. Researchers suspect that orcas may be reviving a peculiar fashion statement of ...
The Guardian - 1d
‘It’s nonstop’: how noise pollution threatens the return of Norway’s whales

Recordings by biologist Heike Vester reveal how oil and gas exploration as well as cruises, fishing boats and even whale-watchers are adding to the din underwater. From the moment that the ...
The Guardian - 1d
The world’s best food markets

FT writers and editors choose their favourite places to stock up on great local produce
Financial Times - 3h
The Cost of Gold Rattles the Jewelry World

Bold gold pieces are trendy, but makers worry that the steep price increases for the precious metal will soon deter demand.
The New York Times - 15h
World champion Dubois to face Parker in Saudi

Daniel Dubois will defend his world heavyweight title against Joseph Parker in February on a card featuring the Artur Beterbiev v Dmitry Bivol rematch.
BBC News - 1d
Can the world’s trade police survive Trump II?

Relevance of World Trade Organization under scrutiny amid US president-elect’s protectionist stance. The sting of teargas was a price worth paying, said Michael Dolan, as he looks back on the ...
The Guardian - 21h
Vote for BBC Sports Personality World Sport Star of the Year

Voting is now open for BBC Sports Personality's World Sport Star of the Year 2024 - meet the nominees and vote for your favourite.
BBC News - 1d
Vanuatu calls on the World Court to recognize climate change harms

Vanuatu urged the top United Nations court to recognize the harm caused by climate change in its judgment on the legal obligation of countries to fight it.
NBC News - 21h