Scientists find rare shark in Samoa
National Geographic scientists captured footage of an endangered leopard shark swimming in Samoan waters during a recent underwater video deployment.
Researchers used baited cameras to record marine life. They deployed these systems without human presence nearby for an hour each time. The systems were active underwater in this location for the first time ever recorded by this team.
Jett Walker explained that older checklists lacked independently verifiable evidence. Photos or video were needed to confirm the species actually occurred in this specific part of the region. Previous suggestions found within older databases and lists did not have proof.
This means the recent on-camera sighting represents the first documented proof. It shows a leopard shark living in these specific Samoan waters after decades of uncertainty regarding their actual presence in this area of the ocean.
National Geographic Pristine Seas has led forty five scientific expeditions since being founded in 2008 by Enric Sala. The group blends wildlife conservation and filmmaking for global exploration and discovery of new marine life forms throughout the world.