ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Skip to main content

Scientists discover hammerhead shark nursery in Ecuador's Galapagos

An aerial view of Sombrero Chino Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Jan. 15, 2011. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa, File) An aerial view of Sombrero Chino Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Jan. 15, 2011. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa, File)
Share
QUITO -

A team of researchers has discovered a nursery of baby hammerhead sharks off an island in Ecuador's Galapagos archipelago, a finding that could help protect the species from the threat of extinction.

The so-called haven for hammerhead hatchlings, who are less than a year old, was discovered near Isabela Island, the Galapagos' largest island, and offers refuge for the sharks during mating and early development stages.

"The discovery of these new breeding areas is very important, especially for the hammerhead shark," said park ranger Eduardo Espinoza in a statement on Friday from the Galapagos National Park.

"It is an iconic species for the Galapagos, but it is in critical danger of extinction."

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers the scalloped hammerhead shark, the species found in the Galapagos, as "critically endangered."

It is largely threatened by commercial fishing and demand for their fins, which are used to make shark fin soup.

Researchers spent months scouring the archipelago for possible nursery sites as part of a hammerhead shark monitoring program.

Scientists with the national park had previously identified two other locations with similar characteristics on nearby islands.

"We managed to include these nurseries in a list of important areas for shark conservation, a new protection category under the IUCN," Espinoza said.

Researchers are monitoring the nurseries to track the young shark population in nursery areas and to follow their migration patterns.

The Galapagos Islands with its unique wildlife was critical to British scientist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It is home to many species not found elsewhere such as giant tortoises, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Bill Berkrot)

CTVNews.ca ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Travelling on a budget can be stressful, but there are ways you can ensure you're getting the best deal on flights as the holiday season approaches.

A Toronto police officer has been arrested after allegedly stealing three bottles of alcohol from a store.

Police on Vancouver Island have made an arrest in the case of a 78-year-old woman found dead in her home almost two years ago.

Police released the identities of the mother and daughter who were killed after a fire tore through a 160-year-old building in Old Montreal on Friday.

Local Spotlight

Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.

From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.

A husband and wife have been on the road trip of a lifetime and have decided to stop in Saskatchewan for the winter.

The grave of a previously unknown Canadian soldier has been identified as a man from Hayfield, Man. who fought in the First World War.

A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.

Moving into the second week of October, the eastern half of Canada can expect some brisker fall air to break down from the north

What does New Westminster's təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.

The last living member of the legendary Vancouver Asahi baseball team, Kaye Kaminishi, died on Saturday, Sept. 28, surrounded by family. He was 102 years old.

New data from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shows a surge in supply and drop in demand in the region's historically hot real estate market.