Scientists discover a new species of 'walking' shark
Genetic analysis confirmed the meter-long epaulette shark is distinct, and researchers said it has the smallest geographic range of any walking shark.
- A newly identified walking shark species, Dudgeonae, was discovered in Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay. Named after ecologist Christine Dudgeon, the shark was confirmed distinct through genetic analysis led by PhD student Jess Blakeway.
- Residents of eastern Papua New Guinea call the creature "kadedekedewa," translating to "lazy shark," describing how it strolls slowly through water. It uses pectoral fins to meander over coral or drag itself between tide pools.
- Completing 70 surveys at 35 sites in 15 locations, researchers identified the species. Their study, published in the Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, also clarified the geographic distribution of two other epaulette shark species.
- Researchers noted Dudgeonae has the smallest geographic distribution of any walking shark, making it "likely" to be listed as endangered. The paper also noted it "seems plausible that this species has already faced extirpation in some locations."
- Blakeway plans to collect more data during the next research trip to help the International Union for Conservation of Nature assess the shark's status. Luckily, the "walking shark" poses no threat to humans at all.
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Marine biodiversity continues to amaze scientists. An international team of researchers has identified a new species of shark in Papua New Guinea, an unusual animal. Yes, it's not normal a shark out of...
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Scientists discover a new species of 'walking' shark
A shark that can follow you onto land? Luckily, the “walking shark” poses no threat to humans at all. Now, scientists have discovered a new species of this type.
There are sharks that prefer to "walk away." Off the coast of New Guinea, researchers discovered an unknown species that locals call "loose sharks."
A new shark-walker species has been discovered off the southeast of Papua New Guinea. Baptized as Dudgeon's or Hemiscyllium dudgeonae's walker shark, this nocturnal shark is endemic to the tiny area where it was found, a shallow benthic zone that straddles the range of other shark-walking species. This range is very [...] This article Just discovered, this new shark-walker could already be threatened with extinction has appeared first on Trust M…
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