A whale carcass found stranded on Legian Beach, Legian Village, Kuta Sub-district, Badung Regency, Bali, on 29 November 2024 sparked attention after reports of the discovery went viral on social media.
Following the report, the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Center (KSDA) immediately deployed a team to examine the scene directly.
During the initial investigation, information was obtained from the local community, which found the whale carcass. Steven from the Westerlaken Foundation said that the stranded whale could not be identified by its species, weight, or sex.
Based on estimates, the whale was about 7 meters long and 2 meters wide. Unfortunately, when it was found, the whale’s condition was already decomposing, suspected to have died 3 to 4 days earlier due to being stranded and entangled in nets.
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“Based on the results of the investigation or examination carried out, information was obtained from the local community and drh. Steven from the Westerlaken Foundation said that the stranded whale could not be identified by its type, weight, and sex,” said Bali BKSDA Head Ratna Hendratmoko, as reported by Tribun Bali.
When officers arrived at the location, the carcass was in the process of being buried by the community, Legian Village and DLHK Badung Regency.
This prevented necropsy and sampling of the whale carcass to determine the exact species and cause of death.
Stranded whale phenomenon
Have you ever read news about whales stranding on the beach? This incident often attracts media and public attention, especially when the number of stranded whales is quite large or even involves rare species.
One of the most common causes of whale strandings is their health condition.
Sick or injured whales may lose the ability to swim well or navigate appropriately.
If their condition worsens, they may end up stranded on the beach, which could result in death from exhaustion or dehydration.
Other human activities, including hunting and commercial activities near the coast, can also cause stress to whales.
Whales that feel threatened or startled may panic and involuntarily run towards shore, avoiding what they perceive as a threat.
