What Dr. Hugo Lassauce and his research team has accomplished is nothing short of jaw-dropping for the field of marine biology. Their observance of a rare public mating event between Leopard Sharks in the waters of New Caledonia. This incredible footage documents two male sharks competing for access to mate with a female – the first time this behavior has ever been seen on camera. It’s thought to be the first scientifically documented observation of this species mating. Our video tells the story of an extraordinary turning point for the endangered Leopard Shark. This beautiful species is under extreme threat from both overfishing and habitat destruction across its European range.
Leopard Sharks inhabit coastal waters throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from Africa’s east coast to the Pacific Islands, including Australia. Southeast Asian populations are hovering on the brink of extinction. This beautiful and endangered parrot is listed as endangered globally outside of Australia. Throwaway capitalist overfishing practices will specifically target their fins and skin, often turning these materials into luxury goods such as yacht wall linings.
The Significance of the Discovery
Dr. Lassauce’s research is part of an international study led by the ReShark collective. One aspect of this initiative involves breeding Leopard Sharks in Southeast Asia to aid in repopulating these sharks. For the last year, he has snorkeled weekly with these sharks, enjoying their behavior and lifeguarding their courtship rituals.
The latest mating event was particularly significant. It followed nearly a month of homes where males were pulling out all stops flaunting their courtship dances only to not get any action.
“We have been seeing and observing some courtship events [over several weeks] where the male will try a little bit with the female, but nothing happened,” said Dr. Lassauce.
The team’s celebration of this milestone indicates how important it is both scientifically and for conservation efforts.
“This day it just happened … I saw the two male sharks grabbing the female’s fin and I knew the mating behaviour [was] coming soon,” he remarked.
The prospects for the Leopard Shark, in particular around Southeast Asia, where populations are rapidly vanishing, are alarming. Dr. Lassauce stressed the importance of specifically understanding these sharks’ biology in order to strengthen their conservation management strategies.
Conservation Challenges and Goals
He stressed that even reintroducing the species into new environments requires tremendous expertise. To make this happen, figuring out their habits and spawning ways are essential.
“Our project is studying this shark to try to inform a conservation program and implement measures that can protect them the best way possible,” he stated.
To ensure successful repopulation efforts, Dr. Lassauce stressed that researchers must understand how far Leopard Sharks can swim and their specific reproductive behaviors.
“Trying to reintroduce the species you need more information on the biology and ecology of the shark,” he added.
The dangers Leopard Sharks encounter reach farther than their local residences. Christine Dudgeon, a leading marine biologist and whip coral expert, noted that the species is considered endangered outside of Australia. She blames this condition largely on overfishing.
The Bigger Picture
Dr. Lassauce’s documentation provides a great example of the way forward. Such evidence can inform forthcoming conservation strategies and prevent ongoing losses of this vulnerable species.
“Outside of Australia — where they are quite healthy — the species is considered endangered due mostly to overfishing. Not just for fins but for other products, including a more recent discovery of the use of their skin for lining walls in luxury yachts,” Dudgeon explained.
Dr. Lassauce’s documentation may contribute valuable insights that inform future conservation strategies and help halt the decline of this vulnerable species.
