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A Type D orca (Orcinus orca) filmed off the coast of southern Chile in 2019.  (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)

A strange and rare group of orcas has stranded on a beach in Chile — the first event of its kind in 67 years and only the second ever recorded.

The orcas (Orcinus orca) belong to the “Type D” sub-group — a distinct group of orcas native to the Southern Hemisphere. Type D orcas are so different from other orcas that some scientists suggest they might actually be a completely separate species.

“I think there’s a good possibility here that this Type D killer whale could be one of the largest undescribed species left on the planet,” Robert Pitman, a marine ecologist at Oregon State University, told Live Science.

Orcas are divided into at least nine different sub-groups, or “types,” spread all over the world. But Type D orcas — which have smaller white patches by their eyes and rounded “melon” heads — are some of the most unique.

Related: Orcas attack boat with ruthless efficiency, tearing off rudders in just 15 minutes

Scientists first came across Type D orcas in 1955 when a group of unusually shaped killer whales washed up on a beach in New Zealand. But the animals weren’t identified as a distinct group of orcas until the early 2000s, when researchers spotted whales that matched the odd facial markings and body shapes of 1955 New Zealand orcas in photographs from all over the southern oceans.

Black and white photo shows the last mass stranding of Type D killer whales. (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)

The 1955 beaching was the only known stranding of Type D orcas until the two latest incidents. In November last year, researchers in Punta Arenas (at the very southern tip of Chile) were notified about a stranded female, which they identified as a Type D orca due to its distinctive small eye patch, rounded head and curved dorsal fin. The team took photos and measurements of the animal and transferred its remains to a museum.

Later that month, a group of eight stranded orcas were reported about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away. These individuals were much more decayed, but the researchers believe they were also Type D orcas. The researchers published the results of their study on June 8 in the journal Polar Biology.

The scientists aren’t sure why the nine orcas died or ended up on the beach. Whales might strand themselves for a variety of reasons, including illness or human use of underwater sonar, though the causes are not entirely understood. The team’s analysis of the lone female orca showed it was a healthy adult. There were no signs of human involvement in the death, such as entanglement or a collision with a boat. The scientists didn’t detect parasites in the animal, and all the abdominal organs and heart appeared healthy.  The other eight, more decomposed orcas were measured, but did not have necropsies performed on them.

But Type D orca strandings are likely rare for good reason, said Pitman. Type D orcas only live between 40 and 60 degrees south, and there is very little land for them to beach on in that stretch of the ocean – the only major landmasses are New Zealand, Tasmania and the bottom tip of South America.

“I have to admit, I never thought I would hear about another stranding of Type D killer whales in my lifetime,” Pitman, who reviewed the new paper before it went to print, told Live Science via email.

Type D orcas swimming underwater off Cape Horn, Chile.  (Image credit: NOAA Fisheries)

Other types of orcas are found as far south as Antarctica and as far north as Greenland. Some of these types’ ranges overlap — but they don’t appear to interbreed, or even necessarily interact with each other. 

And much like the Type D orcas, scientists have speculated other groups might be different enough from each other to qualify as separate species or subspecies.RELATED STORIES—Orcas have sunk 3 boats in Europe and appear to be teaching others to do the same. But why?

—Dead baby orca reveals harmful chemical levels in killer whales

—Pod of orcas frees a humpback whale from certain death. Was it intentional?

Pitman and others did some of the first genetic analysis of Type D orcas and found that the group probably has a very small population size with a high degree of inbreeding.

But unraveling the mystery of how these enigmatic marine mammals are related to other orcas will probably require more biopsies and tissue samples to learn more about Type D orca biology, Pitman said.

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Entertainment

Grammys red carpet fashion 2025: All the best looks from the stars and nominees

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Grammys red carpet fashion 2025: All the best looks from the stars and nominees

Nominees and celebrity guests hit the red carpet in style at this year’s Grammy Awards.

With a focus on supporting relief efforts following the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires the tone was a little more muted, but the fashion as exciting as ever.

Here are some of the looks from the Grammys red carpet.

Kacey Musgraves brought some gold sparkle to the night. She's up for four gongs. Pic: AP
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Kacey Musgraves brought some gold sparkle to the night. She’s up for four gongs. Pic: AP

Read more: Everything to know ahead of the show

Kelsea Ballerini working monochrome. Pic: AP
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Kelsea Ballerini working monochrome. Pic: AP

As a big fan of keeping warm, I applaud St Vincent's sock-forward fashion choice here. Pic: AP
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As a big fan of keeping warm, I applaud St Vincent’s sock-forward fashion choice here. Pic: AP

Billie Eilish in black and white - a popular choice for the evening. Pic: AP
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Billie Eilish in black and white – a popular choice for the evening. Pic: AP

Jaden and Willow Smith both in black - their dad Will will be performing tonight. Pic: AP
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Jaden and Willow Smith both in black – their dad Will will be performing tonight. Pic: AP

Chappell Roan - who is up for six awards - went back in time to walk the red carpet. Pic: AP
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Chappell Roan – who is up for six awards – went back in time to walk the red carpet. Pic: AP

Sabrina Carpenter in powder blue and feathers. Pic: AP
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Sabrina Carpenter in powder blue and feathers. Pic: AP

Kanye West and Bianca Censori, who later stripped off her fur coat to reveal a very sheer dress... Pic: Reuters
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Kanye West and Bianca Censori, who later stripped off her fur coat to reveal a very sheer dress… Pic: Reuters

Sheryl Crow in shimmering asymmetric print paired with a killer smile. Pic:AP
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Sheryl Crow in shimmering asymmetric print paired with a killer smile. Pic:AP

Flying the flag for the UK, Raye in a diamanté adorned black silk gown. Pic: AP
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Flying the flag for the UK, Raye in a diamanté adorned black silk gown. Pic: AP

Gracie Abrams giving strong bridal vibes. Pic: AP
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Gracie Abrams giving strong bridal vibes. Pic: AP

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend looking elegant in black. Legend is presenting an award tonight. Pic: AP
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Chrissy Teigen and John Legend looking elegant in black. Legend is presenting an award tonight. Pic: AP

Maggie Rose in a burst of gold and green. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Maggie Rose in a burst of gold and green. Pic: Reuters

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Politics

Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to ‘shoulder more of the burden’ on defence spending

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Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to 'shoulder more of the burden' on defence spending

Sir Keir Starmer will urge European countries to commit more in defence spending as he heads to Brussels for security talks.

The prime minister will call on Europe to “step up and shoulder more of the burden” to fend off the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Sir Keir, the first prime minister to meet all the leaders of the 27 EU nations in Brussels since Brexit, will argue the bloc needs to capitalise on the weak state of the Russian economy by continuing with its sanctions regime.

The prime minister will meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday afternoon before travelling to meet with the leaders of the 27 EU member states at an informal meeting of the European Council.

xxx
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Sir Keir Starmer with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, whom he hosted at Chequers on Sunday. Pic: PA

Sir Keir is expected to say: “We need to see all allies stepping up – particularly in Europe.

President Trump has threatened more sanctions on Russia and it’s clear that’s got Putin rattled. We know that he’s worried about the state of the Russian economy.

“I’m here to work with our European partners on keeping up the pressure, targeting the energy revenues and the companies supplying his missile factories to crush Putin’s war machine.

“Because ultimately, alongside our military support, that is what will bring peace closer.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ukrainian soldiers have message for Trump

Sir Keir’s suggestion that EU countries should spend more on defence is likely to open him up to criticism from the Conservatives, who have urged the government to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income.

The prime minister said at the end of last year that he would “set out a path” to lift defence spending to 2.5% of national income in the spring.

The UK says it currently spends around 2.3% of GDP [gross domestic product] on defence.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  meet at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Oct. 10, 2024. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 10 Downing Street in October. Pic: Reuters

Last year EU member states spent an average of 1.9% of EU GDP on defence, according to the European Defence Agency, a 30% increase compared with 2021.

Earlier this week European Council President Antonio Costa said the 23 EU members who belong to NATO are likely to agree to raise the defence spending target above the current 2% of national output at the next NATO summit in June.

Read more:
Starmer must delicately balance his risky EU reset
Builder shortage challenging Labour’s growth plans

However, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO – the military alliance consisting of 30 European countries and the US and Canada – arguing that his country is contributing too much to the alliance’s budget while Europeans contribute too little.

During the US election campaign, President Trump said America would only help defend NATO members from a future attack by Russia if they met their spending obligations.

He also said members of NATO should be contributing 5% of their GDPs to defence spending – rather than the previous target of 2%.

The session of the Informal European Council comes as the government seeks to reset its relationship with the EU and boost areas of cooperation, including on defence and tackling illegal migration.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Starmer hosts German chancellor

On Sunday the prime minister hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at his country residence Chequers, where the two leaders agreed on the “importance of scaling up and coordinating defence production across Europe”, Downing Street said.

However, the government has repeatedly said that a closer relationship with the EU will only be sought within its red lines – meaning there will be no return to freedom of movement and rejoining the customs union or single market.

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UK

Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to ‘shoulder more of the burden’ on defence spending

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on

By

Sir Keir Starmer to urge EU nations to 'shoulder more of the burden' on defence spending

Sir Keir Starmer will urge European countries to commit more in defence spending as he heads to Brussels for security talks.

The prime minister will call on Europe to “step up and shoulder more of the burden” to fend off the threat posed by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Sir Keir, the first prime minister to meet all the leaders of the 27 EU nations in Brussels since Brexit, will argue the bloc needs to capitalise on the weak state of the Russian economy by continuing with its sanctions regime.

The prime minister will meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday afternoon before travelling to meet with the leaders of the 27 EU member states at an informal meeting of the European Council.

xxx
Image:
Sir Keir Starmer with Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, whom he hosted at Chequers on Sunday. Pic: PA

Sir Keir is expected to say: “We need to see all allies stepping up – particularly in Europe.

President Trump has threatened more sanctions on Russia and it’s clear that’s got Putin rattled. We know that he’s worried about the state of the Russian economy.

“I’m here to work with our European partners on keeping up the pressure, targeting the energy revenues and the companies supplying his missile factories to crush Putin’s war machine.

“Because ultimately, alongside our military support, that is what will bring peace closer.”

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ukrainian soldiers have message for Trump

Sir Keir’s suggestion that EU countries should spend more on defence is likely to open him up to criticism from the Conservatives, who have urged the government to increase defence spending to 2.5% of national income.

The prime minister said at the end of last year that he would “set out a path” to lift defence spending to 2.5% of national income in the spring.

The UK says it currently spends around 2.3% of GDP [gross domestic product] on defence.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy  meet at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, Oct. 10, 2024. Pic: Reuters
Image:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at 10 Downing Street in October. Pic: Reuters

Last year EU member states spent an average of 1.9% of EU GDP on defence, according to the European Defence Agency, a 30% increase compared with 2021.

Earlier this week European Council President Antonio Costa said the 23 EU members who belong to NATO are likely to agree to raise the defence spending target above the current 2% of national output at the next NATO summit in June.

Read more:
Starmer must delicately balance his risky EU reset
Builder shortage challenging Labour’s growth plans

However, Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO – the military alliance consisting of 30 European countries and the US and Canada – arguing that his country is contributing too much to the alliance’s budget while Europeans contribute too little.

During the US election campaign, President Trump said America would only help defend NATO members from a future attack by Russia if they met their spending obligations.

He also said members of NATO should be contributing 5% of their GDPs to defence spending – rather than the previous target of 2%.

The session of the Informal European Council comes as the government seeks to reset its relationship with the EU and boost areas of cooperation, including on defence and tackling illegal migration.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Starmer hosts German chancellor

On Sunday the prime minister hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at his country residence Chequers, where the two leaders agreed on the “importance of scaling up and coordinating defence production across Europe”, Downing Street said.

However, the government has repeatedly said that a closer relationship with the EU will only be sought within its red lines – meaning there will be no return to freedom of movement and rejoining the customs union or single market.

Continue Reading

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