A dead sperm whale has washed ashore in the Philippines. This is the latest case in a series of mass whale deaths that have raised concerns among experts.
Two fishermen discovered the 18-meter-long sperm whale on a beach in the Davao region early in the morning on May 21, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines. The whale had “multiple injuries” and “likely did not survive” by the time it reached the shore, the DENR added.
Locals viewing the giant whale carcass washed ashore.
This is the second dead sperm whale found in the Philippines this year, and the discovery comes just one day after a juvenile female washed up on the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel. Earlier this month, an adult male and a newborn calf were found dead in the Florida Keys.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies the sperm whale as “vulnerable” and at “high risk of extinction in the wild.” In the United States, they are listed as endangered.
Experts are investigating the cause of death of the sperm whale found in Davao, with the necropsy expected to take at least 36 hours.
Earlier this year, another sperm whale, approximately 13 meters long, washed ashore on Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, leaving residents astonished. Philippine marine biologists were puzzled, stating they could not determine the cause of death despite collecting tissue samples and performing a necropsy to find clues.
Five other sperm whales were discovered dead in areas surrounding Davao in 2019. Some had ingested marine debris and toxic microplastics.
A necropsy on a dehydrated calf that was released revealed pieces of nylon and disposable plastic cups in its stomach—commonly used by local food vendors. On the other hand, its stomach and intestines were empty.
In Davao, the regional executive director of DENR, Bagani Fidel A. Evasco, has ordered the area to be cordoned off. He stated: “The carcass should be handled immediately as its odor can be toxic and dangerous to the community.”
