A rare spade-toothed whale, one of only seven ever identified, is providing scientists and cultural experts in New Zealand a rare opportunity to study the elusive species. Found deceased on a beach in July, the nearly intact specimen is the first of its kind to be closely examined.

Anton van Helden, a senior marine science adviser and the individual who named the species, expressed his excitement, calling the discovery extraordinary. Despite studying beaked whales for over three decades, this marked his first encounter with a spade-toothed whale dissection.

The spade-toothed whale remains shrouded in mystery. Scientists know little about its habitat, diet, or physiology, and none have been observed alive in the wild. Over the coming week, researchers in Dunedin aim to uncover insights about the species, including its feeding mechanisms, sound production, and potential new parasites.

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The species was first recognized in 2002 through DNA analysis of skeletal remains found in New Zealand and Chile. Until a pair of spade-toothed whales washed ashore in 2010, researchers were unsure if the species was extinct. However, this is the first time a specimen has been subjected to detailed study.

The dissection is being conducted with the involvement of the Māori, New Zealand’s Indigenous people, who consider whales sacred treasures. Members of the local iwi, Te Rūnanga Ōtākou, are observing traditional customs during the process, including prayers and the retention of the whale’s jawbone and teeth. These items will remain with the iwi, while the rest of the skeleton is set for museum display, supported by 3D-printed replicas created from CT scans.

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The whale’s discovery has drawn international attention, with scientists eager to understand its life and behavior. Beaked whales are known for deep diving, and it is believed that spade-toothed whales inhabit the vast Southern Pacific Ocean. The findings could shed light not only on this enigmatic species but also on broader oceanic ecosystems and human-related applications.