'World's rarest spade-toothed whale' washes up on New Zealand beach

Experts believe they have identified the animal but could wait weeks for DNA results to come back.

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The five-metre long, beaked creature's identity was determined from its colour patterns and the shape of its skull, beak and teeth.

Its remains have been placed in cold storage whilst DNA testing takes place, with experts saying it may take several weeks before a final identification is confirmed.

Because so few specimens have been found and there have been no live sightings, very little is known about the spade-toothed whale.

Researchers say the carcass discovery could help them acquire crucial new information about the species.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c6p20d5xlm8o

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