Sunday, 4 August, 2002, 14:43 GMT 15:43 UK
Rare whale washes up on beach
Sunday, 4 August, 2002, 14:43 GMT 15:43 UK
Rare whale washes up on beach


Marine scientists are hailing the discovery of a rare whale washed up on a South African beach as an exciting and important find.

The five-metre carcass of the Longman's beaked whale is the first complete specimen ever found.

Until now, the species had only been identified by two skulls, one found on a beach in Australia and the other in Somalia.

There have been no recorded sightings of a live Longman's beaked whale.

The beaked whale is named for the beak-like shape of its mouth.



Marine scientists are hailing the discovery of a rare whale washed up on a South African beach as an exciting and important find.

The five-metre carcass of the Longman's beaked whale is the first complete specimen ever found.

Until now, the species had only been identified by two skulls, one found on a beach in Australia and the other in Somalia.

There have been no recorded sightings of a live Longman's beaked whale.

The beaked whale is named for the beak-like shape of its mouth.

news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2171986.stm