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Context :

• Research Focus: A 2 decade long study in False Bay of South Africa highlighted the important role of Great White Sharks.
• These sharks play an important role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
• But the absence of Great White Sharks caused a cascading effect in the local food web. Their absences disrupted the balance of marine life.

Study Findings:

• Loss of Great Whites:
  • When Great White Sharks were removed from the ecosystem there was an increase in the population of Cape fur seals & sevengill sharks.
• Food Web Disruption:
  • Seals began overconsuming fish populations they rely on. It led to a decline in fish species.
  • Moreover, Sevengill sharks over consumed smaller shark species.
• Ripple Effect:
  • This study shows that the removal of apex predators like Great Whites can have severe consequences. It can also cause imbalances in marine food webs.
• Conservation Implications:
  • The research tells that there is the need for global shark conservation efforts to preserve marine biodiversity & prevent such disruptions in ecosystems.

About Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)

• Scientific Name: Carcharodon carcharias
• Common Name: Great White Shark
• Family: Mackerel Shark (Lamnidae)
• Habitat: Coastal surface waters of all major oceans with a preference for temperate regions.
• Diet: Apex predator usually feeding on seals, sea lions, fish, & other marine animals.
• Teeth: Serrated triangular shaped teeth ideal for cutting through flesh.
• Predators: usually preyed upon by killer whales (orcas).

Distribution & Conservation Status:

• Global Range: they are Found in all oceanic regions excluding polar waters.
• Frequent Locations: Coastal regions of United States, Australia, & South Africa.
• Conservation Status:
  • Although not critically endangered but Great White Sharks face threats from overfishing & habitat degradation.
  • Populations are not abundant. So their conservation efforts are important to their survival.

This study shows the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems & highlights the necessity of continued efforts to protect & conserve them to maintain ocean health.

Source: DTE