Scientists have discovered a rare shark near the Galápagos Islands
Off the coast of Ecuador, scientists have spotted a rare smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) in the Galápagos Islands for the first time in more than 20 years. Researchers suggest that the archipelago may be an important breeding ground for this little-studied species, which is threatened with extinction.
The Galápagos Islands are known for their rich marine biodiversity and large schools of hammerhead sharks.
However, the smooth hammerhead shark has not been officially recorded there for more than 20 years.
According to the study’s co-author, marine biologist María Antonia Izurieta Burbano de Lara of Texas A&M University, smooth hammerhead sharks can grow up to 3.6 meters, yet they remain one of the least studied species.
“We still know very little about where they feed, where they migrate, and the status of their populations,” the scientist notes.
In 2024, researchers documented a group of juvenile smooth hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos Islands for the first time. Their species identity was confirmed through DNA analysis.
According to the scientists, this area may be an important natural nursery where young sharks spend their first years of life before venturing into the open ocean.
Similar sites are already known for other shark species. For example:
- great white sharks use nurseries off the coast of New York;
- sand tiger sharks use nurseries in Delaware Bay.
During their research, the scientists employed a range of modern research methods, including:
- acoustic telemetry to track the movements of young sharks;
- underwater video systems;
- genetic DNA analysis;
- dietary studies.
The young sharks were fitted with acoustic transmitters, which allowed researchers to track their movements within the marine reserve. In addition, the DNA samples collected are being compared with populations from the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to better understand the species’ migratory patterns.
Researchers note that smooth hammerhead sharks are threatened by overfishing. Despite protection within marine reserves, many individuals leave these protected areas and migrate into international waters, where they become easy prey for commercial fishing.
Scientists hope that this new discovery will help identify critical habitats and migration routes for smooth-headed hammerhead sharks, which will be an important step toward more effective conservation of this rare species.
This was reported by Popular Science.
As a reminder, a rare two-headed gecko hatchling was born in Pennsylvania (U.S.) and was named Simon and Garfunkel. Although animals with this anomaly usually do not live long, the baby has been developing successfully for over a month.
