What is a ginkgo-toothed beaked whale?

The ginkgo-toothed beaked whale is a previously undiscovered species of whale that was finally spotted by scientists off the coast of Mexico in 2024 after a 5-year search.

Where were the ginkgo-toothed beaked whales found?

The researchers found the whales near the coast of Baja California, Mexico, which was a surprise as the species had previously only been found washed up on the shores of Japan.

How did an albatross almost ruin the whale discovery?

Just as the scientists collected a skin sample from one of the whales, an opportunistic albatross swooped in and tried to steal the crucial evidence, leading to a frantic effort by the crew to chase the bird away.

Home / Science / Albatross Thief Nearly Ruins Historic Ginkgo-Toothed Whale Discovery

Albatross Thief Nearly Ruins Historic Ginkgo-Toothed Whale Discovery

17 Nov

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Summary

Scientists spent 5 years tracking a new whale species
Researchers fired a small arrow to collect a skin sample
An albatross nearly stole the crucial evidence

Albatross Thief Nearly Ruins Historic Ginkgo-Toothed Whale Discovery

In June 2024, a team of scientists aboard the Pacific Storm research vessel were wrapping up their morning coffee when they spotted a group of beaked whales off the coast of Baja California, Mexico. For hours, the researchers tracked the whales, which they eventually confirmed were a previously undiscovered species: the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale.

This sighting was the culmination of a 5-year effort by the scientists to locate and study this elusive creature. Since 2020, the team had been tracking a distinctive whale call, initially believing it belonged to Perrin's beaked whale, another species never before seen in the wild. After several failed attempts, the researchers finally succeeded in 2024 thanks to the advanced equipment on the Pacific Storm, including hydrophones to detect underwater sounds and high-powered binoculars.