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Scientists: White sharks in South Africa prone to extinction

Wednesday, 24 August 2016 3:03 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 24 August 2016 3:03 PM ]

A great white shark breaches the water in False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, in this undated file photo. © AP

Free divers and scientists have detected a sharp decline in the number of great white sharks.

The decline in the number of the great whites was first noticed by diving enthusiasts who enjoy swimming alongside the predators.

The divers then joined hands with scientists to study the extent and causes of the problem. They estimated the number of these large sharks in South Africa through photo identification and genetics. Their studies put the population size of the great whites in the region between 300 and 500.

This decline is attributed to human causes such as poaching, pollution, nets and baited hooks and jaw trade. The current ‘genetic population’ of these animals is only 300. This number is much less than what a healthy ecosystem would need.

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