[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] Shark diversity in South Africa

One of the most interesting things about sharks is their diversity. There are more than 400 species of shark (excluding their relatives the skates and rays), with new species being discovered every year. South Africa has a huge diversity of sharks, with 98 species, one fourthof those found worldwide. Approximately half of our shark species are found close to shore, while the rest spend most of their time in deep water at depths exceeding100 meters and are therefore rarely seen. The East Coast of South Africa has warmer coastal waters, because of this there are a more diverse number of species than in the west coast. The east coast holds about 80 species of sharks; while the west coast hosts just over 40 species, additionally, many of the shark species can be found off both coasts.

In the South Western Cape, the coastal areas of Cape Townhost about 40 shark species. While depending on the season, False Bay(near Cape Town) can be home to about 20 shark species. During the summer time in these coastal you will find more species of sharks due to the warmer water temperature.Great White sharks are by far the best known, but other common species include Bronze Whalers (copper sharks) and Ragged Tooth sharks (aka Raggies). They can reach several meters and feed on fish, squid and smaller sharks. Ragged tooth sharks are also summer visitors to False Bay, reaching over four meters. Both can be mistaken for Great White sharks from a distance, and are present in greater numbers than white sharks.

Even basking sharks visit cape waters in spring and can be confused with white sharks. There are many completely harmless sharks that call False Bay and Cape Town home. Sevengill sharks are top predators in the kelp forests around the peninsula. Feeding on seals, other sharks and fish, their diet overlaps that of the Great Whites, but only reaching three meters they can even find themselves on the white shark diet.

Smaller shy sharks and spotted gully sharks are common and seen on many shore dives feeding on small fish and crabs. Bottom dwelling (benthic) sharks spend most of their time at or near the bottom. These include the commercially exploited species such as the Soupfin sharks, Smooth hound sharksetc. Whereas pelagic sharks are found in oceanic waters, mostly in the upper zone near the surface, like the Mako and Blue sharks. Interesting fact about the Mako sharks are the fastest shark in the oceans reaching speeds up to 70km/h. There are also excellent opportunities to dive with these sharks like the blue shark dives near Cape Town, best times being between October – July. KwaZulu Natal also offers excellent shark diving with no cages in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean on the East coast of South Africa and Mozambique, diving with Bull sharks (Zambezi’s), Spotted Ragged tooth shark, Tiger sharks and the iconic Whale sharks. Whale sharks can be seen sporadically, throughout the year, and are particularly satisfying to spot. These amazing opportunities to see these wonderful animals in their natural environment not only provides a once in a lifetime experience to the divers but also provides a healthy boost to the local economy and plays a vital role in the South African tourism industry.

At least six species are endemic (only found in South Africa): Puffadder shyshark(Benthic sharks), Brown shyshark(Benthic shark), Natal shyshark(Benthic sharks), Pajama shark(Benthic sharks), Flapnose-houndshark(pelagic shark), and White-tip weasal shark(pelagic shark).Next we are going to take a closer look and learn more about these six endemic shark species in South Africa, starting off with the Puffadder shyshark.

Puffadder shyshark

 This common shark is found on or near the bottom in sandy or rocky habitats, from the intertidal zone to a depth of 130 m.  Usually reaching no more than 60 cm in length, the puffadder shyshark has a slender, flattened body and head.  These shysharks are similar in colour and markings to puff adder snakes, hence the name Puffadder shyshark.  They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, and produce up to two egg cases (Mermaid’s purses) at a time.  The juveniles hatch several months later, at 10cm in length. The Puffadder shyshark is listed as "Lower Risk/Near Threatened" with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Brown shyshark

 It is endemic to the shallow, coastal waters of South Africa from west of Cape Agulhas to KwaZulu-Natal.  This benthic species is usually found over sandy or rocky bottoms. Measuring up to 73 cm long, the Brown shyshark is stoutly built, with a broad, flattened head and rounded snout.  Unlike other shysharks, the brown shyshark has a plain brown color. This shark is also oviparous, laying two egg cases at a time.  Although the Brown shyshark is a locally common species that is not targeted by commercial fisheries or utilized for its meat, there is some concern for its future as it likely appears in the bycatch of other fisheries.

Natal Shyshark

 This shark is endemic to a small area off South Africa from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal.  It is found close to the coast, from the surf zone to a depth of 30 m, and has benthic habits.  Reaching 50 cm in length, the Natal shyshark is similar to the Puffadder shyshark in appearance but has a bulkier body, less flattened head, a compressed caudal peduncle, and a different color patter.  Given its localized occurrence and presumably small population, this species has been assessed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Pajama shark

 This abundant, bottom-dwelling species can be found from the intertidal zone to a depth of around 100 m (330 ft), particularly over rocky reefs and kelp beds.  With a series of thick, parallel, dark stripes running along its stout body, the Pajama shark has an unmistakable appearance. It grows up to 1.1 m (3.6 ft) long.  Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying rectangular, dark brown egg cases two at a time year-round.  The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Pajama shark as Lower risk/Near Threatened

Flapnosehoundshark

 This is a hound shark of the family Triakidae, the only member of the genus Scylliogaleus,  These sharks have a very restricted distribution in inshore waters of the western Indian Ocean Endemic to the subtropical waters of South Africa(Kwazulu Natal and Eastern Cape)  They are a live-bearing species (with presence or absence of placenta uncertain) with litter size of 2 to 4 (usually two or three) young and a gestation period between 9 and 10 months.  The Flapnose Houndshark occurs in inshore waters that are subjected to heavy commercial and sports hook-and-line fisheries.  There is also the loss of their habitat as a result of development and pollution along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape populations may also be a threat during the last few decades. This is why they are listed as Threatened by the IUCN. Whitetip weasel shark

 This shark is a weasel shark of the family Hemigaleidae. The Whitetip Weasel Shark is known only from one specimen caught off KosiBay (close to the border between South Africa and Mozambique) in 1986 and virtually nothing is known of its biology.  Found normally in coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean at shallow depths up to 20m.  The Whitetip Weasel Shark may exhibit slow growth rates and late maturity like other members of the Hemigaleidae family.  At present, insufficient data is available on this species and it is not possible to assess Whitetip Weasel Shark beyond Data Deficient. Further information is required about the biology of this species and its interaction with fisheries.

Many people from around the world come to study and see our sharks and South Africa is one of the best places in the world to study the diversity of sharks. Sharks are not just about the big scary looking Great white shark, there are hundreds other species of amazing sharks, some we know a lot of and other we know nothing. There is a beautiful and varied world of fascinating sharks down there and we should take time to learn more about them, to get a better understanding and ensure the protection of these magnificent animals.

Shark Diversity in South Africa comprehension test

1. How many different species of sharks is their worldwide?

2. How many species of shark are found along the South African coast?

3. True or False: The western coastline of South Africa holds more number of shark species than the Eastern coastline.

4. Name the two shark species that you see when diving with near Cape Town.

5. Fill in the Blank: ______also offers excellent shark diving with no cages in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean on the East coast of South Africa and Mozambique, diving with Bull sharks….

6. How many Sharks are endemic to the South African coastline? And name at least two?

7. Is the Pajama shark egg laying shark?

8. True or False: The Natal Shyshark has been assessed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

9. True or False: The Whitetip Weasel shark is commonly found along the South African waters

10. Fill in the Blank: The Flapnose Houndshark is a ______-bearing species, with a litter size of 2 to 4.