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A dead sperm whale stranded on King Island near Tasmania
Photo: Supplied / dpa
More than a dozen dead sperm whales have washed ashore north of Tasmania.
According to Australian media, citing the Tasmanian Agency for Natural Resources and Conservation, the marine mammals are young males who are believed to all belong to the same bachelor group.
The 14 carcasses were discovered Monday on King Island, an island between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
Marine biologists and veterinarians wanted to investigate the circumstances of death on site.
Sperm whales are not uncommon in the area, officials said.
It should now be checked from the air whether there are any other animals in the region.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies sperm whales as an endangered species.
How long the dead whales have been lying on the coast is unclear.
However, an eyewitness told ABC that the animals were already giving off a strong odor.
According to the report, onlookers were asked to keep their distance from the site.
Surfers and swimmers have also been warned that the carcasses could attract sharks.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies sperm whales as an endangered species.
Two years ago, around 470 pilot whales were stranded off Tasmania.
It was the largest known mass stranding in Australian history.
Only 111 animals could be saved during a costly rescue operation.
dam/dpa