Mammals of the WorldSpade-toothed Whale
Mesoplodon traversii
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Ziphiidae
- Genus
- Mesoplodon
- IUCN status
- DD
- Distribution
- Chile|New Zealand
- Realm
- Marine
Other names: Bahamondi's Beaked Whale|Spade-toothed Beaked Whale|Traver's Beaked Whale
About this species
- Size
- Length about 5 m
- Habitat
- Deep South Pacific waters
- Range
- Surrounding seas
Mesoplodon traversii is among the least-known living whales. It differs from other Mesoplodon whales through diagnostic skull features and the broad spade-shaped teeth of adult males. Its known external appearance includes a dark back, pale belly and dark eye patch. Identification at sea remains exceptionally difficult.
Confirmed specimens have come from New Zealand and the wider South Pacific. Its normal range and preferred habitat remain largely unknown. Feeding and social behaviour have not been directly documented in detail. Like related beaked whales, it is expected to dive for squid and fish.
The New Zealand classification is Data Deficient. No reliable viewing site exists; verified New Zealand records have involved strandings.
Description: Wildlife of New Zealand guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)