BABY SHARKS LURKING IN THE SHALLOWS
Credit: Patrick Rex, Frontiers Marine Science
S cientists have recently discovered that young great white sharks favour warm and shallow waters close to shore, a stark departure from the habitats of adult sharks. While this may not be the case everywhere, this is true at Padaro Beach near Santa Barbara in California, United States. Congregating in nurseries in shallows with other youngsters could offer them a better chance to grow and avoid predators, as adults do not care for their young. However, these findings carry implications for shark conservation efforts and public safety measures, considering potentially increasing ocean temperatures. The only time these juveniles dived to greater depths was around dawn and dusk when they were looking for food. They moved closest to the surface, between zero and four meters deep – in the afternoon when the sun was hottest, to increase their body temperature.
Dr Christopher Lowe, a professor at California State University, and his team tagged 22 juvenile sharks between 2020 and 2021. They fitted individuals between one and six years of age with sensor transmitters monitoring water pressure, temperature, and the sharks’ movements in real-time. The only time monitoring briefly stopped was during winter when the juveniles left for deeper waters. “This is one of the largest and most detailed studies of its kind. Because around Padaro Beach, large numbers of juveniles share near-shore habitats, we could learn how environmental conditions influence their movements,” said Dr Christopher Lowe, a professor at California State University and senior author of the study. Emily Spurgeon, the research technician from the same university, highlighted the importance of water temperature. “Juveniles directly altered their vertical position in the water column to stay
The two youngsters did not have a tranquil life. Separated from their mother as cubs, they faced poor living conditions and inadequate care at a Ukrainian farm, resulting in malnutrition and illness. At first, local Ukrainian animal protection organisations intervened, providing refuge at a rescue centre in Kyiv where they began their journey to recovery. But this was short-lived as conflict broke out in Ukraine. The Ukrainian rescue centre collaborated with partners in Poland and Belgium to evacuate the lions. Under the care of experts at Natuurhulpcentrum in Belgium, the lions thrived, awaiting their next chapter. Born Free then meticulously planned their relocation to South Africa, where they could experience freedom. Tsar and Jamil travelled in custom-made travel crates to Luxembourg airport. From there, they embarked on a flight to Johannesburg, provided by Born Free’s air transport partner, Cargolux. After a 10-hour flight, the lions finally arrived in South Africa. Their journey continued to the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Upon arrival, the lions wasted no time exploring their new surroundings, eagerly venturing into the natural bush of their one-hectare enclosure. The brothers will now live a life of luxury at within their preferred temperature range. This may be their optimum to maximise growth efficiency within the nursery.” The study revealed they maintained temperatures between 16 and 22°C and, if possible, between 20 and 22°C. While the study provides valuable insights into the behaviour of young great white sharks, many questions remain unanswered. “Our results show that water temperature is a key factor that draws juveniles to the studied area. However, many locations across the California coast share similar environmental conditions, so temperature is not the whole story,” said Spurgeon. Future experiments will look at individual relationships to see if some individuals move among nurseries in tandem.
Aggregation juveniles. Credit: Patrick Rex
Tagging juvenile. Credit: Patrick Rex
FRONTLINE TO FREEDOM UKRAINIAN LIONS FREE ON SOUTH AFRICAN SOIL
the sanctuary. They will not be able to reign free as animals that grew up in captivity do not have the skills to survive in the wild. These lions do, however, bring new bloodlines to the continent. Their successful rehoming marks a triumph for wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Born Free celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, advocating for the rights and well-being of animals everywhere. Visit bornfree.org.uk for more information about the organisation.
Release of Jamil. © Born Free
T wo young lions have found solace on African soil after enduring a tumultuous beginning to their lives. Tsar and Jamil, born into captivity in a Ukrainian zoo, arrived at the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve in March, marking the culmination of an arduous journey towards freedom. “We are delighted that Tsar and Jamil
are safely with us at Shamwari. They have been shifted to safety so many times in their young lives. We hope the final stage of their journey ‘back to Africa’ will bring them peace and a chance to enjoy a more natural life, a million miles away from the existence they endured in their formative years,” explains Catherine Gillson, Born Free Manager at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Release of Tsar. © Born Free
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