An extremely rare Gervais’ beaked whale has stranded on the west coast of Ireland, giving scientists a valuable opportunity to learn more about one of the least understood groups of whales in the world.
The whale was found on Kilmacreedy Beach, Liscannor, Co. Clare, on 10 May and reported to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group’s Stranding Scheme. Experts quickly identified it as a beaked whale, a family of elusive, deep-diving species that spend much of their lives far offshore and are rarely seen alive.
Following examination by the Irish Whale Dolphin Group (IWDG) and its veterinary network, the animal was confirmed as a 4.2 metre female. A post-mortem revealed she was carrying a near-term female foetus, measuring 194cm and weighing 66kg. The preliminary cause of death has been attributed to live stranding, probably linked to difficulties giving birth.
Because female beaked whales often lack erupted teeth, identification can be difficult. The skull was later recovered and examined, with international experts confirming the animal as a Gervais’ beaked whale, only the third recorded stranding of the species in Ireland.
Samples and organs have been collected for further study, while the skeleton will be donated to the National Museum of Ireland.