Only seven specimens of the species have been observed. Almost nothing is known about it. In July, a specimen of the unique beaked whale Mesoplodon traversii washed ashore in New Zealand, which will now be examined.
I can't describe how unique this is. For me personally, it's completely incomprehensible, says Anton van Helden, marine biologist at New Zealand's nature conservation authority.
The dissection he will perform is the first ever of a whale of this species. Previous specimens found have been buried before they could be examined or DNA-tested.
No living individual has ever been seen.
There may be parasites that are completely new to science, which only live in this species. Who knows what we'll discover, says Helden.
