Rare Bahamonde Beaked Whale Dissected in New Zealand, Offering Insights

Scientists and Māori leaders collaborate to study a stranded specimen of one of the world's least-known whale species.

The Bahamonde beaked whale, scientifically known as Mesoplodon traversii, is one of the rarest whale species, with only a handful of specimens ever documented.
A five-meter-long, 1.3-ton whale was found stranded near Dunedin, New Zealand, in July and subsequently dissected by scientists to uncover new biological insights.
Researchers discovered the whale had nine stomach chambers containing squid remains, parasitic worms, and other unidentified organisms, suggesting squid as a primary food source.
The whale showed signs of head and neck injuries, including a broken jaw, which may have contributed to its death, though further analysis is ongoing.
The study marked a unique collaboration between scientists and Māori representatives, integrating indigenous traditions and Western science to honor the whale and deepen understanding of its significance.