International Search Reveals Genetic Evidence for New Species of Beaked Whale

What is it about?

Japanese whalers traditionally recognized two forms of Baird’s beaked whales: the common “slate gray” form and a smaller, rare “black” form. A genetic study of 178 samples from across the North Pacific has examined specimens of both forms, including eight of the enigmatic “black” form. The authors found a greater divergence between the two North Pacific forms than exists between them and the most closely related species, Arnoux’s beaked whale, found only in the Southern Ocean. The genetic evidence, together with differences in size and distribution, indicates the presence of a previously unrecognized species of beaked whale in the North Pacific

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Why is it important?

This species is new to science, and has not been reported alive, only from dead, beach-stranded animals and museum specimens. The species is very likely naturally rare and lives in deep water, usually far offshore where they are difficult to observe and study. Their habitat likely includes deep canyons in the Bering Sea, where they are more likely to be exposed to human threats such as seismic exploration and entanglement in fishing gear.

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