Stranding in Victoria could be rare dwarf sperm whale
An unusual-looking whale that has washed up on a beach in Victoria, Australia, is thought to possibly be a rarely seen dwarf sperm whale.
The 2.4 metre-long whale was discovered on Saturday. Just 17 have ever been recorded in Australia and it would be the first time in Victoria.
The dwarf sperm whale is the smallest whale, closely related to the pygmy sperm whale, one of which was also found stranded over the weekend. Scientists will now examine the bodies to confirm the species of both strandings.
Both species usually inhabit deep, offshore waters so sightings are rare.