
Conservation sparks walking shark boom and unveils a new PNG species
Scientists officially describe the Dudgeon’s epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium dudgeonae), a new, endangered walking shark found in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, while another study finds Raja Ampat protected waters host the highest walking shark density on record (2,462 sharks per square kilometre). The findings show how habitat protection can boost local populations, but walking sharks’ small home ranges keep the species highly vulnerable, underscoring the need for effective on‑the‑ground conservation with community involvement.












