Unseen: Rarest Whale In the World

The world’s rarest whale, which has remained a mystery to scientists for over 100 years, has been seen for the first time. The five-metre whale was washed up on a beach with its calf in New Zealand, offering the first evidence for decades that the species still exists. The spade-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon traversii) had not been seen for the past 140 years, except for the odd skull that has washed up on shore.

But two years ago the whale and its male calf washed up on Opape Beach. Sadly they died, but researchers were able to collect measurements and tissue samples which helped them identify the species. The whales were initially misidentified as the much more common Gray’s beaked whales, but their true identity came to light following DNA analysis, which is done routinely as part of a 20-year program to collect data on the 13 species of beaked whales found in New Zealand waters.

The spade-tooth beaked whale also looks quite similar to other similar species, making spotting it even trickier. Researcher at the University of Auckland Rochelle Constantine said: ‘It may be that they are simply an offshore species that lives and dies in the deep ocean waters and only rarely wash ashore. ‘New Zealand is surrounded by massive oceans. There is a lot of marine life that remains unknown to us.’ Writing for the journal, Rochelle Constantine added: ‘This is the first time this species - a whale over five metres in length - has ever been seen as a complete specimen, and we were lucky enough to find two of them. ‘Up until now, all we have known about the spade-toothed beaked whale was from three partial skulls collected from New Zealand and Chile over a 140-year period. ‘It is remarkable that we know almost nothing about such a large mammal.’ Researchers at the University of Auckland say the findings also highlight the importance of DNA typing and reference collections for the identification of rare species. Rochelle Constantine said: ‘When these specimens came to our lab, we extracted the DNA as we usually do for samples like these, and we were very surprised to find that they were spade-toothed beaked whales. ‘We ran the samples a few times to make sure before we told everyone.’

World's Oldest And Largest Lobster

A 140-year-old lobster is to be reunited with the ocean after being liberated from a New York seafood restaurant.

The 20lb crustacean was the focus of tug of love between animal rights activists Peta and staff at the City Crab and Seafood.

Pictures: Strangest Animals In The World

Saw a large group of the strangest animals in the beautiful world

What you see in front of you of animals and sea creatures and amphibious Here is an overview of these Animals.

Axolotl

Tapir

Sun Bear

Hag Fish

Star-nosed Mole

Proboscis Monkey

Pink Fairy Armadillo

Alpaca

Tarsier 

Dumbo Octopus

Frill-necked Lizard

Platypus

 

Most Dangerous Airport In The World

Kai Tak airport which was shut down in 1998 was the site of botched landings that included planes crashing into the water and clipping buildings on their descent. These spectacular images show the moment experienced pilots grappled with the notoriously dangerous landing, before the airport was closed by the government in 1998 for its poor safety record. 

How to Sell Shoes Chewed by Dog (7 pics)

One guy's dog has chewed his shoes. He decided to sell his half-chewed shoes as a work of art. 

See What Happens Next...(5 Pics)

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Food Maps by Henry Hargreaves and Caitlin Levin

New Zealand-based artist Henry Hargreaves and New York-based food stylist Caitlin Levin create these collection of maps made out of real food.



South America map made from citrus fruits

"These maps show how food has traveled the globe - transforming and becoming a part of the cultural identity of that place. Who doesn't know the saying 'throw some shrimp on the barbie' and not think of Australia? Who goes to France without eating bread and cheese? And who makes a Brazilian caipirinha without a fistful of limes?"



United States map made from corn

"These maps are a playful representation of our interpretation of food from around the world, painstakingly created with real unadulterated food. This project speaks to the universality of how food unites people, brings us together and starts conversation - just as we hope these beautiful maps will do too."



China map made from noodles



New Zealand map made from kiwis



UK and Ireland map made from biscuits



Italy map made from tomatoes



Japan map made from seaweed



Africa map made from bananas



India map made from spices



France map made from cheese



Australia map made from shrimp



All images are © Copyright of Henry Hargreaves and Caitlin Levin

Check the website: www.hargreavesandlevin.com/