New Zealand's Rare Discovery: A Complete Spade-Toothed Whale Carcass

Taieri Mouth, Otago, New Zealand New Zealand
A rare spade-toothed whale was discovered on the shores of New Zealand in July 2024.
Experts from the Department of Conservation inspected the carcass and preliminary analysis suggests it is indeed a spade-toothed whale.
Genetic samples have been sent to the University of Auckland for confirmation of species identification.
If confirmed, scientists will study details of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract to learn about its diet.
Spade-toothed whales are known for their long beak and two large tusks, with only six documented cases since the 1800s.
New Zealand's Rare Discovery: A Complete Spade-Toothed Whale Carcass

A rare discovery was made on the shores of New Zealand in July 2024, as a spade-toothed whale washed up near Taieri Mouth in South Island. This species, which is one of the most poorly known large mammalian species of modern times, has only been documented six times since the 1800s. The latest discovery could provide valuable insights into this elusive creature.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) was alerted to the find on July 4 and sent experts to inspect the carcass. Preliminary analysis suggests that it is indeed a spade-toothed whale, making it a significant discovery for scientists who have never before had the opportunity to study one in its entirety.

Spade-toothed whales are known for their distinctive features, including their long beak and two large tusks. They were first discovered in New Zealand in 1874 when a lower jaw and two teeth were found on Pitt Island. Since then, only a few skeletal remains and teeth have been documented elsewhere, most notably in Chile.

The discovery of the spade-toothed whale on the New Zealand shore has generated excitement among marine scientists who are eager to learn more about this rare species. Genetic samples have been sent to the University of Auckland for processing and confirmation of species identification. Once confirmed, scientists will be interested in studying details of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract to learn about its diet.

The Department of Conservation is working with local Maori communities, including Te Runanga o Otakou, to decide on next steps for the whale. If it is indeed a spade-toothed whale, this will mark the first time scientists can dissect one and learn more about its biology and behavior.

The discovery of the spade-toothed whale in New Zealand is significant from both a scientific and conservation perspective. With only six documented cases worldwide, there is much to be learned about this elusive creature. The opportunity to study a complete specimen could provide valuable insights into its biology and behavior, as well as its role in the marine ecosystem.



Confidence

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No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

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  • Unique Points
    • The department of Conservation believes the creature is a spade-toothed whale.
    • The male spade-toothed whale measured roughly 16 feet long.
    • If confirmed, the recent discovery would give scientists the opportunity to learn more about the species.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

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  • Unique Points
    • A rare spade-toothed whale carcass was found on New Zealand’s South Island
    • Experts believe it is the first opportunity to study this species as only six samples have been documented since the 1800s
    • Genetic samples have been sent to the University of Auckland for processing and confirmation of species ID
    • Scientists will be interested in details of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract to learn about its diet
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

  • Unique Points
    • A spade-toothed whale was found washed up on a New Zealand beach earlier this month.
    • The species is so rare that no one has ever seen one alive before.
    • Six documented cases of the spade-toothed whale have been recorded worldwide.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (90%)
    No formal fallacies found. However, there is an appeal to authority and a slight exaggeration in the description of the whale's rarity.
    • ]The species is reportedly so rare no-one’s ever seen one alive[
    • for years only skeletal remains provided any evidence they actually existed.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

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  • Unique Points
    • A rare spade-toothed whale was found on a New Zealand beach on July 4, near the fishing village of Taieri Mouth in South Island.
    • The discovery could be significant from a scientific and conservation point of view.
    • The species was first discovered in 1874 when a lower jaw and two teeth were collected from Pitt Island, Rūkohu in New Zealand.
    • Recent discoveries helped establish the color pattern of the species.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

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  • Unique Points
    • A rare spade-toothed whale was found on an Otago beach in New Zealand on July 4, 2023.
    • The discovered whale is believed to be a male and possibly the 'world's rarest' specimen of this species.
    • Marine mammal experts are currently analyzing samples from the whale to confirm its identity at the University of Auckland.
    • Spade-toothed whales are one of the least known large mammalian species with only 6 documented samples worldwide, all but one from New Zealand.
    • The first intact spade-toothed whale was discovered in New Zealand in 2010, and another specimen was found in Gisborne in 2017.
    • Skeletal remains and teeth of two spade-toothed whales were also found in Chile.
    • The Otago spade-toothed whale will be the first to be dissected for further study.
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication