The Rarest Whale in the World: Secrets Set to Be Unveiled in New Zealand?

In the vast expanses of the South Pacific Ocean, an enigma evolves in the silence of the depths: the Travers' beaked whale, a cetacean so rare that only a few specimens have been identified to date, mainly from bone fragments stranded. When a 5 meter male was unfortunately discovered on a New Zealand beach, it presented scientists with a unique opportunity to study this elusive species up close. This exceptional specimen, preserved almost intact, could finally lift the veil on a creature whose very existence seemed to belong to the realm of mystery.

The Travers beaked whale, a rare and little-known species

The Travers' beaked whale (Mesoplodon traversii) is considered one of the rarest species in the world. Only seven specimens have been identified to date, and none have been observed alive in their natural habitat. Discovered on a New Zealand beach last July, this 5 meter long male whale is the first individual to be studied in depth.

This species was identified in 2002 using DNA analyses. The researchers used skeletal fragments found in New Zealand and Chile. In 2010, two dead specimens washed up on a New Zealand beach. Their discovery confirmed that Travers' beaked whale still existed. Until now, this presence in the oceans remained uncertain. The study of these individuals has been crucial to better understanding the species.

Many aspects of his life still remain mysterious. It is unknown where exactly it lives or how it feeds. Its behaviors and sounds also remain unknown. These gaps are explained by the difficulty of locating it. These cetaceans live in the vast depths of the South Pacific, which are difficult to explore.

An unprecedented scientific and cultural study

The study of the specimen discovered in New Zealand is being carried out by an international team of researchers and in collaboration with the Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. The dissection, which takes place near Dunedin, is carried out with great respect for cultural traditions. For Māori, whales are considered taonga, sacred treasures offered by Tangaroa, god of the sea.

Members of the Te Rūnanga Ōtākou iwi are actively participating in the process, reports APNews. A traditional prayer, called a karakia, was recited before the dissection began. At the end of the study, the specimen's jaw and teeth will be returned to the Māori community, while its skeleton will be displayed in a museum after scanning and 3D printing.

The exceptional condition of the specimen, well preserved despite its stranding, allows for a methodical analysis. Researchers hope to gain information about its diet by examining its digestive system, as well as its acoustic communication, which is essential to the survival of cetaceans in the deep.

Discoveries that could enrich ocean knowledge

The location of this discovery is also very important. New Zealand is known for frequent cetacean strandings. This country has recorded more than 5,000 cases of this type since 1840. This well-documented phenomenon adds to the rarity of Travers' beaked whales. Each specimen discovered therefore offers a unique opportunity for scientific research.

According to Anton van Helden, cetacean expert and discoverer of the species, this find is unique. It offers an exceptional opportunity to study a rare whale from several angles. Researchers hope to analyze its body to better understand its interactions with the environment. They could also identify new parasites thanks to this detailed analysis.

Bites, probably due to parasitic sharks, were observed on the specimen. Although usual, this does not explain his death. Researchers are still wondering about the exact reasons for his death.

The main objective remains to reveal the secrets of this species. How does it survive in the immense and deep waters of the South Pacific? This mystery fascinates scientists and Māori alike. For them, this specimen is both a treasure and a key to understanding marine biodiversity.