Rare Spade-Toothed Whale Dissection Conducted in Otago

New Zealand scientists have successfully conducted the first dissection of the spade-toothed whale, considered the world's rarest whale. The specimen, a five-meter long male, was found washed ashore in July and revealed significant biological details, including nine stomach chambers containing squid remains and vestigial teeth that provide insights into its evolutionary history. The project was a collaborative effort led by Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, integrating Indigenous knowledge with scientific research, marking a pioneering approach to marine biology. Researchers noted bruising and a broken jaw on the whale, suggesting possible trauma as a cause of death, though the precise circumstances are still under investigation. This dissection not only expands scientific understanding of the species but also highlights the cultural significance of whales to the Maori people. The jawbone and teeth will be preserved by the Maori community, with 3D replicas planned for museum displays.