IUCN Species of the Day: Great White Shark

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)

 

Photo credit: sharkinformation.org

The Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, is classified as ‘VULNERABLE’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. It can be found almost anywhere in the world, with concentrations in temperate and tropical coastal seas.

The Great White Shark has long been a focus for negative media attention, generated by rare lethal interactions with humans. As a consequence, this species is directly exploited for sportsfishing, commercial trophy-hunting, and both the curio and oriental shark-fin trade. Sharks are sold for their flesh, fins, skins, jaws, teeth and oil. Unfortunately, its inquisitive nature and tendency to scavenge from fishing gear, makes this shark vulnerable to either their own accidental entrapment, or deliberate killing by commercial fishermen.

The Great White Shark is currently protected in the Australian EEZ and state waters, South Africa, Namibia, Israel, Malta, Palau and the USA. It should be removed from international game fish record lists, and receive more rational treatment by the media. The recent interest in shark dives and ecotourism may provide a substantial local income and an important method of education.

 

Geographic Range of Great White Sharks

Credit: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

 

Click here to see 25 things you might not know about Great White Sharks!

 

To learn more about Great White Sharks, click here.  Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by clicking their logo below.

 

 

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