New species of ‘Walking Shark’ discovered off Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby: Scientists have discovered a new species of shark that “walks” along the seafloor off the coast of Papua New Guinea.The Dudgeon walking shark is the 10th walking shark species recorded by science. It was found by Australian researcher Dr Christine Dudgeon during a night dive off southeastern Papua New Guinea this month, and named in her honor.

Walking sharks use their fins to push themselves along shallow reefs and tidal flats instead of swimming. Nine other species were already known.

The new shark appears to live only in a very small area, raising immediate concerns about its vulnerability to habitat degradation and fishing. However, studies of other walking sharks show they can respond well to conservation efforts.

Dr Dudgeon and her team plan to return to Papua New Guinea in October to collect more data to support protection measures for the species.“New shark species don’t come along that often,” Dr Dudgeon said.