The decaying remains of a 7-meter cetacean were discovered last week on a sandy beach in Namibia (Southwest Africa), adjacent to Dorob National Park. At first, none of the scientists who had access to the remains could tell what species this animal belongs to.
Later, on the basis of analyzes and examination, it was assumed that this is a whale from the beak family, or rather Cuvier's beak (Ziphius cavirostris). If so, then this is just the second Cuvier beak found in Namibia. Previously, the remains of a similar creature were found here in 2000.
Examination of the whale's remains revealed that its head was all crumpled, and its lower jaw was badly broken. However, the researcher of the body, Namibian doctor Simon Elven, found it difficult to name the cause of death of the animal, since the body is in a strong stage of decomposition and, according to him, fractures can be posthumous.
However, the doctor is very surprised to find this whale. He says that Cuvier's beaks are very difficult to spot even in the water because of their love of deep-sea diving, and seeing their remains on land is a completely unique case.
This whale lives in all oceans except the Arctic, preferring deep waters from cool to tropical. Reaches 7 meters and is considered the record for depth and duration of diving among marine mammals.
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In 2014, American scientists attached satellite transmitters to the fins of eight beak beaks, which recorded two record dives. One animal reached a depth of 2992 m, the second lasted 137.5 minutes under water.
Some commentators suggest that the whale was killed by another large living creature (probably a huge squid), from those that live in the depths and are not yet known to scientists. But the whale did not die immediately, otherwise its remains would have gone to the depths, but managed to rise to the surface.