Rare beaked whale calf washes up in Southbroom
The discovery of a rare beaked whale calf on Southbroom beach has scientists buzzing, with experts working to identify the elusive deep-water species.
A rare beaked whale calf, measuring about 2m long, washed up on Southbroom beach during the high tide overnight.
Sadly, the young animal was already dead when it was found.
The whale is yet to be positively identified, with scientists examining the animal to determine its species.
The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board team assisted by transporting the dead whale for further examination and identification.
Taryn Burns of Oceanfriendly SA said the discovery had generated considerable interest among scientists because beaked whales are rarely seen, spending much of their lives in deep water.
“It’s got the scientists in a buzz. It’s very rare,” said Burns.
She noted that the whale still had fetal folds, indicating that it was a very young calf.
About beaked whales
Beaked whales belong to the cetacean family Ziphiidae and are among the least-studied groups of marine mammals.
They typically inhabit deep ocean waters and are elusive, making them difficult for scientists to observe in the wild.
According to published scientific references, 24 species were recognised in the family, although the number can change as research identifies and classifies species.
Some species are known from only a small number of sightings or strandings, highlighting how much remains to be learned about these deep-diving mammals.
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