False killer whale dies after stranding at Pueh Beach

An adult female false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) died after stranding twice at Pueh Beach in Sematan, Malaysia. Although local authorities and the public initially succeeded in returning the 3.85-meter marine mammal to the sea, it returned to the beach in a weakened state later that morning and died by mid-afternoon.

A necropsy conducted by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) revealed shark bite marks on the animal's body. The examination also found minimal stomach contents mixed with sand, suggesting the whale may have been unable to secure sufficient food prior to the stranding.

Officials believe the death was caused by complications from the stranding, potentially including circulatory system failure due to heat stroke. Biometric specimens were collected for a DNA database, and the species remains protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998.