It's not the only one. Mesoplodon traversii is only known from five specimen washed up at various location in the south Pacific between 1872 and today.
It is surprising how little is known about many whales species. I was recently looking at Wikipedia's List of cetaceans, because of course that exists, and was surprised at how many are listed with population "unknown" or conservation status "data deficient". So I suppose it's not that strange that there are some species that have never been seen alive. Perrin's beaked whale is apparently another one that has no confirmed sightings.
[–] 0x5f3759df 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
It's not the only one. Mesoplodon traversii is only known from five specimen washed up at various location in the south Pacific between 1872 and today.
[–] florablo 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
You gave me a second one to research! Thanks.
[–] 0x5f3759df 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
It is surprising how little is known about many whales species. I was recently looking at Wikipedia's List of cetaceans, because of course that exists, and was surprised at how many are listed with population "unknown" or conservation status "data deficient". So I suppose it's not that strange that there are some species that have never been seen alive. Perrin's beaked whale is apparently another one that has no confirmed sightings.