Explorers in the kingdom of the shark

Writer: Elaine Davie.

There can be few animals, other than spotted hyenas and African wild dogs that have been as maligned or misunderstood as sharks. No doubt about it, they’ve had a bad press. Yet, those who have studied them point out that they are amongst the most successful predators on the planet, superbly designed for just this purpose and that they are an invaluable link in the marine eco-system and indicator of its health.

In fact, they are fascinating animals, far removed from their image as rampaging killing machines with a taste for human flesh. Here are some ‘did you knows’ to prick your curiosity: Did you know that the smallest shark found in our waters is the puffadder (another fear-inducing name, unlike its cousin, the rather whimsical pyjama shark)? It is only about 40 cm in length. Did you know that within the limits of Walker Bay alone, there are approximately 62 endemic shark and ray species? Did you know that the Whale Coast is one of the primary shark hotspots in Southern Africa? Did you know that shark skin is as rough as sand-paper and was used as such by sailors on the old wooden sailing ships of yore? Did you know that when the chest or abdominal area of a shark is massaged or butted, it can go into a hypnotic, trance-like state, a strategy used by orcas to immobilise, then kill them?

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 5)