Research Shorttail Nurse Shark
Can we prevent a critically endangered shark from going extinct? That’s what ARTIS is investigating, with support from Wageningen University and shark researcher Gibbs Kuguru.
Who knows the Shorttail Nurse Shark?
The Shorttail Nurse Shark is one of the rarest sharks in the world and is found only in the shallow reefs and lagoons of the western Indian Ocean. The species is listed as critically endangered on the Red List, and its population has declined by as much as 80% over the past 30 years, leading to regional extinctions. Unlike many other shark species, the Shorttail Nurse Shark has little commercial value. As a result, very little is known about the species, and it is often overlooked in conservation plans.
Learning from sharks
A small but genetically valuable population of sharks is living under expert care in several European aquariums. These animals can provide crucial information for conserving this elusive species — from reproduction and their day–night rhythms to their foraging behavior. We also learn a great deal from their DNA: the hereditary material found in their blood, but also, for example, in the mucus between their gills.
Extensive genetic analyses offer insight into genetic diversity and their geographic origins — in other words: from which regions did the ancestors of these animals come? Animals adapt to their environment over time, so the more accurately they can be returned to the right area, the greater the chance of success. For the species, and for the entire ecosystem.
Finding — and protecting — the right habitat
Climate change and overfishing have drastically altered the shallow reefs and lagoons where the Shorttail Nurse Shark once thrived. Rising ocean temperatures have damaged coral reefs, while unregulated fishing has removed key species and left few refuges for these slow-moving predators.
In addition to genetic research, the original habitat also needs to be protected. Step one is assessing the health of the reefs, the availability of prey, and the stability of the environment. Collaboration with local communities, fishers, and conservation organizations is also essential to build support, ensuring that conservation and potential reintroduction efforts are both ecologically sound and backed by the people who share the sharks’ habitat.
Why it matters
Healthy shark populations play an important role in regulating reef ecosystems. Restoring the Shorttail Nurse Shark could therefore contribute to the recovery of degraded habitats. With hope, this research is the first step toward helping this species recover.