REVIEWING THE DISTRIBUTIONS, CHARACTERISTICS, LIFE CYCLE, FEEDING BEHAVIOUR AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF SPHYRNA MOKARRAN

Abstract

The ecological status and conservation issues of the great hammerhead shark (Spyhrna mokarran) are the concern that are discussed in this paper. In this paper, highlights about the species biology, distribution, feeding behaviour and its role as an apex predator in marine ecosystems. Spyhrna mokarran (S. mokarran) is known with its huge size, crescent-shaped dorsal in and unique cephalofoil. The area occupied by this species is in the deep oceanic regions and coastal reef area as they have the capability to travel in long distances and adapt to the temperature fluctuation. This research finds that S. mokarran species feed on mostly rays, cephalopods, and teleost fish. However, the pattern of their feeding behaviour will be change as its grow older. Additionally, S. mokarran is now list as the endangered on the IUCN Red List species all over the world, resulting from the overfishing and the market trade of their high value fins. Thus, the population of this species are fall drastically caused by overexploitation. Some of the efforts that aid in reducing and maintaining this species includes public awareness campaign, the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) and legal protections under CITES. The study concludes that, the act of protection of the great hammerhead sharks is vital for both of species’ survival and the health of marine ecosystems in order to improve the conservation strategies and stop the species from degrade drastically throughout the whole world.