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Ginkgo-Toothed Beaked Whale

Nov. 19, 2025

Recently, a team of scientists has spotted the rare ginkgo-toothed beaked whales (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) for the first time in the wild along the coast of Baja California in Mexico.

About Ginkgo-Toothed Beaked Whale:

  • It is one of 24 species of beaked whales, which are the second most diverse group of cetaceans after dolphins.
  • Distribution: It resides in tropical and temperate waters throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
  • Appearance:
    • It has a robust body and is less heavily scarred than other beaked whales.
    • The flippers are small, pointed and narrow.
    • It has a pair of distinguishing ginkgo-shaped teeth, one on each side of the lower jaw towards the middle of the beak.
  • Characteristics of Ginkgo-Toothed Beaked whale:
    • These beaked whales are the deepest-diving mammals on Earth.
    • They spend most of their lives in the oceans, only coming to the surface for air for a few minutes at a time, usually far away from coastlines.
    • They are very shy and easily frightened when approached by a boat.
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Data Deficient
    • CITES: Appendix II.

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