When we hear about a new species discovery, we often picture a rare animal that has defied capture or sightings for years. However, many new species descriptions arise from scientists applying both new and existing knowledge to animals that are already known. This includes examining their body structure, genetics, behavior, and interactions with their environment. By reevaluating our assumptions about species and where they live, researchers frequently find significant misconceptions that lead to the correction of scientific records.
A recent study has introduced a new species of small hammerhead shark, called the shovelbill shark (Sphyrna alleni). This shark inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms from Belize to Brazil. Reaching a maximum length of 1.5 meters (5 feet), it was named “shovelbill “ after the term used by local fishers in Belize, where the holotype, or the specimen used to describe this species, was collected. Previously, it was believed that the bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) occupied this entire range, extending from the northern United States through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to southern Brazil. Now, we understand that the bonnethead shark’s range likely ends at the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, while the shovelbill shark is found in southern areas from Belize to Brazil.
This discovery is important because the bonnethead shark is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to overfishing. In the 1980s, it was commonly seen off the Caribbean coast of Colombia, but its numbers have drastically declined and it is now quite rare. In Brazil, assessments show the bonnethead shark is Extinct off Rio de Janeiro, collapsed in São Paulo, and Vulnerable in Espírito Santo State due to fishing pressures.
The new research indicates that many threats previously associated with the bonnethead shark actually apply to the shovelbill shark. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts for this newly identified species, as understanding its ecological role and challenges is crucial for its survival and the health of marine ecosystems across its range.
The good news
While it may seem counterintuitive, a newly described species may already be locally extinct in some areas. However, the more we learn about this species, the better prepared we are for its conservation. In Belize, the gillnet ban advocated by MarAlliance increases the species’ chances of survival, as hammerhead sharks are particularly vulnerable to capture in nets due to their unique head shape. Additionally, recent changes to international trade laws enhance protections for this species; all hammerhead sharks are now listed under CITES Appendix II, requiring countries to obtain permits and track products for export. Therefore, despite our limited knowledge about this new species, it already benefits from essential protections, particularly in Belize.
Discoveries to come
New species descriptions are always exciting; in fact, a new species of shark, ray, or chimera (collectively known as elasmobranchs) is described globally approximately every two weeks. You may recall that we contributed to a team that described a new species of deep-sea shark in Belize a few years ago. As the Caribbean Sea is relatively under-studied, our research and different studies show how much exploration and discovery work there is to do.
