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Endangered Whale Shark Species

Whale sharks resemble whales because of their massive size, yet they are sharks and not whales. The largest ocean fish, whale sharks are docile, solitary creatures and they are harmless to humans. These slow-moving sharks have declined in numbers because they are targeted by commercial fisheries. This has prompted several international government bodies to give whale sharks endangered species protection status. These conservation measures, coupled with a growing tourism interest in whale sharks have ensured a slow but steady recovery of their population.

Habitat
- The habitat of the whale shark is widespread, in temperate and tropical waters, across shallow coastal areas and open oceans, except the Mediterranean. Unlike most sharks that live and feed near the bottom of the ocean, whale sharks prefer warm surface temperatures of around 86 degrees. However, they can tolerate low water temperatures of 37 degrees while undertaking deep dive migration. Whale shark migration can be local or transoceanic, based on breeding behavior or in pursuit of prey.
Physical Characteristics
- Whale sharks have large flat heads, rounded snouts, and measure up to 65 feet in length and weigh around 27,500 pounds. Their thick, dark gray skin has prominent light-yellow or white markings with three ridges across either side of the body. Whale sharks use their wide mouth, which is situated at the front of the head, to feed on planktonic organisms and small fish, by suction filter-feeding. They suck food in through their vast mouths and pass water over the gill arches, to hold and swallow prey.
Threats
- Whale sharks are prized by harpoon fisheries for their meat, which is consumed either fresh or salted. Increasing demand for shark-fin soup in some Asian markets, has led to this species commanding a high value for its fin in the international market. In addition to human predation, other factors that threaten the existence of whale sharks include a slow reproduction rate, potential habitat damage, marine debris, and climate and ocean disturbance.
Conservation
- Whale sharks are classified as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Global and local conservation provisions make whale shark fishing illegal in several countries, and have served to slowly increase their numbers. These gentle giants are proving to be integral to the tourist industry, in the waters of countries they inhabit. Whale shark watching marine eco-tourism, across boat, deep diving and snorkeling-based programs are gaining increasing popularity in Australia, Honduras, Maldives, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa and Thailand.

Animals & Science