Sharks under threat! What were once believed to be one of the world’s biggest predators, are now under threat! But not by other animals or predators but indirectly by we humans and the climate change caused by us. It is a known fact that our oceans are no longer the same or safe for the different species that lived in it, including the sharks. The pollution, climate change and over-fishing have all caused a severe effect on the underwater life. Thousands of underwater animals who are a part of our eco-system are under threat today due to man-made reasons such as over-fishing, habitat disruption, finning and water pollution. In fact, there are a few species that have become extinct, while some of the different species of shark are now endangered!
Some of the famous species of sharks that are widely affected by the various causes and are slowly getting endangered are:
GREAT HAMMERHEAD
One of the most endangered species in water, the great hammerhead sharks are in fact almost on the verge of extinction. Blame it to the fin trade and the shark’s main habitat. The Great Hammerhead lives very close to the shore. The great hammerhead shark is huge and has a length of 20 feet and a weight of 450 kg. These sharks have a very fast growth rate and reach a maturity age between 5 and 9 years, and have a lifespan of 44 years if they are not already attacked and killed by the fishermen or the traders.
GREAT WHITE SHARK
The supreme predator, the great White shark have been the most deadly killing machine in water for decades. But, not anymore! We humans have not only destroyed the entire climate but also caused great pollution in the oceans itself which has actually affected the life of these great white sharks. Today, these majestic creatures are fighting for their life not only against the fishermen but also against the pollution caused in the oceans. The population of these sharks is decreasing day by day and are currently considered as vulnerable and highly endangered in the oceans.
WHALE SHARK
The whale shark is one of the most interesting cases in the list of animals that are considered as vulnerable or near to extinction. These sharks are one of the favorites of the tradesmen especially for their fin trade and also for their meat. People pay thousands to have shark meat on their plates which is also a reason why a lot of whale sharks are killed every year by fishermen. However, awareness caused by tourism and tourists has greatly helped these whale sharks. There are excursions being held that allow tourists to freely swim with these massive ocean creatures.
SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD
Well, unlike its other family member, the scalloped hammerhead sharks are commonly seen swimming in a herd. They have an amazing sensing organ that is called as the ampullae of Loenzini that help these sharks to find their food that are hidden in the sand or the ocean bed. These sharks thus protect themselves easily but also get caught easily as well. These natural predators top the list in the most endangered list of sharks in the ocean.
