Scientists in Australia have shared incredible footage of baby hammerhead sharks aggregating off the coast of Queensland.
Scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) “were seen [for the] first time last year at Burleigh Heads but only for a few weeks,” says Olaf Meynecke, research fellow at Griffith University.
They reappeared in March this year but “in higher numbers with different age classes.”
From Burleigh Heads, they moved 20km south to a small nearshore reef until June.
“The area has never documented so many baby scalloped hammerheads for several months,” says Meynecke, who has been lucky enough to see the critically endangered sharks grow during this time.
Humans pose a huge threat to these endangered animals. “Of course, the biggest threat is fishing. Australia still allows several tons per year to be caught. Then illegal fishing and accidental bycatches,” says Meynecke.
But he reminds people to give the sharks plenty of space. “People have shown great interest in the Gold Coast sometimes resulting in the sharks being chased.”
More amazing wildlife stories
- Elephants have whiskers – but they're not where you think they'd be...
- Shocked scientists film humpback whale with no tail swimming down Washington coast
- Banksy confirms new goat artwork in London is his – but what does it mean?
- Thai tigers bounce back from the edge of extinction after capture of high-profile poachers
