Thiruvananthapuram/Kasaragod: Experts stated the carcass that washed ashore on the Puthukurichi beach in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram district on Sunday was that of a killer whale or orca. This is reportedly the first time that a killer whale has been washed ashore on Kerala coast. The confirmation about the species comes even as a huge dead whale had washed ashore on the coast of Kasaragod too at the northern end of the state.
The carcass in Thiruvananthapuram was identified by cetacean specialist Dipani Sutaria and professor Biju Kumar, the head of the aquatic biology and fisheries department at the Kerala University.
As the carcass had started to decompose, it was difficult to identify the species based on the colour. But the 12 pairs of pointed teeth helped to identify it as the killer whale.
The dead whale was 12ft long, and weighed three tons.
Distinct marks
The killer whale is the biggest marine mammal of the oceanic dolphin family. A round, elongated body with a less prominent beak, and large flippers are some of its distinct features. The upper part of its body has a shiny black colour with intermittent white patches. They feed on dolphins and sharks, giving them the name of killer whale.
The carcass find hints that the number of marine mammals found along Kerala coast has risen to 13. Their sighting in Kerala and the migration in Arabic Sea should be taken up for extensive research, experts pointed out. By collecting meat samples, skeleton from the carcass of marine mammals washing ashore, more details about them can be known by using genetic mapping.
Dr Biju Kumar said that forest-wildlife department had to come up with a special system to monitor the marine mammals found along Kerala coast and to protect marine beings.
Killer whales have been previously spotted in other southern and eastern states, and near Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Last month the carcass of a huge elephant seal had washed ashore at the Ayiramthai beach at Arthunkal in Kerala's Alappuzha district.
Another creates health scare
Meanwhile, the carcass of another huge whale washed ashore on Valiyaparambu beach at Trikaripur in Kasaragod district. The carcass, which was partly on land and partly on the water, could be pulled on to the land only after several attempts. It appeared to be as big as two elephants, but with the head found severed from the body.
The carcass was first spotted bear the panchayat office on Sunday morning. Foul smell emanated from the carcass, suspected to have died days ago as it was still bleeding profusely.
An earth-mover was initially brought to shift the carcass. When it failed, the help of fire force personnel was sought by panchayat president M T Abdul Jabar.
As the fire brigade too could nothing to move the carcass, the second earth mover was brought in. It took the combined effort of the two machines, fire force personnel and the local people to pull in the carcass completely on to the land. This took about six hours.
People in the locality said that they had not seen such a huge whale in the recent times. However, they also expressed their anguish over the carcass that was fast decaying. If not properly buried, it could trigger health hazards. However, the authorities have assured them that the carcass would be chopped into pieces and buried.
