whitetip weasel shark
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
-
Common Names
whitetip weasel shark
Regions
KenyaMozambiqueSouth Africa
Population
2,500
Habitat
Shallow Coastal Waters and Continental Shelves
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
5–10 kg (11–22 lbs) and 15–20 years in the wild
Regions
Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Indonesia, Philippines
The Whitetip Weasel Shark (Paragaleus leucolomatus) is a small, streamlined shark with distinctive white-tipped fins, reaching up to 1.2 meters in length and weighing between 5 and 10 kg. Endemic to the western Indian Ocean, it inhabits shallow coastal waters off Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, and Yemen, where it feeds on small fish and invertebrates. With an estimated population of fewer than 3,000 individuals, this species faces critical threats from bycatch and overfishing, as well as habitat degradation due to coastal development. Climate change poses additional risks by altering water temperatures and potentially shifting its habitat range. Conservation efforts focused on sustainable fishing and habitat protection are vital to preserve the remaining populations of the Whitetip Weasel Shark.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
