Scientists Discover a New “Lazy Shark” Species in Papua New Guinea—Here’s Why It Matters

Researchers have identified a tenth species of walking shark in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, with unique markings and a restricted range that puts it at risk. The find, named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae after lead scientist Dr. Christine Dudgeon, highlights growing threats to shallow-water marine life in the region.

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### A New Species Found by Accident During a Night Dive

Dr. Christine Dudgeon, a senior research fellow at Queensland’s University of the Sunshine Coast, stumbled upon the new shark during an expedition in Milne Bay’s shallow seagrass beds. While documenting known species of epaulette sharks—famous for their ability to “walk” on their fins—she spotted an unfamiliar shark with distinct white dashes and brown speckles.

*”I was able to swim down and grab it behind the head,”* Dudgeon recalled. *”They don’t have big teeth, but they can bite, so you avoid the mouth. Then you flip them onto their side and tuck the tail under your armpit—almost like holding a football.”*

Initially, the team dismissed it as a variation of the known Milne Bay walking shark (*Hemiscyllium michaeli*), which has a bold leopard-print pattern. But over three nights, they captured 12 identical specimens, confirming it was a new species.

Did you know? Walking sharks (*Hemiscyllium* genus) are among the few sharks that can survive low-oxygen environments for hours—a trait that helps them thrive in shallow, tide-dependent habitats.

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### Why This Discovery Changes Our Understanding of Walking Sharks

With only 500 shark species globally, new discoveries are rare. The new species, now officially named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, brings the total known walking sharks to ten. But its significance goes beyond taxonomy.

Key differences from other walking sharks:
| Feature | H. dudgeonae | Other Hemiscyllium Species |
Markings | White dashes + brown speckles | Leopard print or solid patterns |
| Range | Endemic to PNG (Milne Bay) | Australia, Indonesia, Philippines |
| Conservation Risk | Unknown but high (restricted habitat) | Some listed as vulnerable |

*”This is a little shark that lays an egg and stays near its birthplace,”* Dudgeon explained. *”They don’t disperse far, which makes them vulnerable to local threats like fishing and reef destruction.”*

Pro Tip: Walking sharks don’t “walk on land”—they crawl between tide pools at night, avoiding predators like seabirds. Their four fin “feet” let them hop between isolated pools when tides recede.

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### Local Communities Are Stepping Up to Protect the Species

Unlike many marine discoveries, this shark has been known to locals for years. In Papua New Guinea, it’s called “Kadedekedewa”—a term meaning “lazy shark” or “dog shark,” reflecting its docile nature.

*”The people here see it differently now,”* Dudgeon said. *”They value it as a species of pride, not just a food source.”*

Local fisheries officers are pushing for marine protected areas (MPAs) in Milne Bay, where the shark is found. Similar efforts in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef have helped conserve other walking shark species, but PNG’s new find faces unique pressures:

– Overfishing: Traditional and commercial fishing target shallow reefs where the shark lives.
– Reef Destruction: Climate change and coastal development threaten its seagrass habitat.
– Limited Dispersal: Unlike migratory species, walking sharks can’t relocate if their home is damaged.

*”If we don’t act, this could be the first walking shark species lost to extinction,”* warned Dudgeon.

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### What Happens Next? The Race to Classify and Save the Species

The discovery raises urgent questions about conservation priorities in the region. Here’s what experts are focusing on:

1. Genetic Studies
– Researchers are sequencing DNA to compare H. dudgeonae with other walking sharks. *”We want to understand how it evolved,”* said Dudgeon. *”Did it split from other species due to geographic isolation?”*

2. Conservation Status Assessment
– The IUCN Red List has not yet evaluated the species, but its restricted range suggests it may qualify as Vulnerable or Endangered under future guidelines.

3. Community-Led Protection
– PNG’s customary marine tenure system—where local clans manage coastal resources—could be a model for MPAs. *”The Milne Bay people are already taking ownership,”* Dudgeon noted.

Reader Question: *”Are walking sharks dangerous to humans?”*
Answer: No. Despite their strong jaws (used to suck prey from sand), they’re harmless to humans. Dudgeon calls them *”puppy-dog sharks”*—curious but non-aggressive.

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### How This Discovery Fits Into a Bigger Trend: Shallow-Water Species in Peril

The finding of H. dudgeonae comes as scientists warn about the global decline of shallow-water marine life. Key parallels:

– Australia’s Walking Sharks: Three of the nine known species are Endangered due to habitat loss. The new PNG species may face the same fate if unprotected.
– Indonesia’s Coral Triangle: Home to 37% of the world’s reef fish, but overfishing and dynamite fishing threaten endemic species.
– Papua New Guinea’s Unique Biodiversity: The country has 6% of the world’s fish species, yet only 1% of its marine areas are protected.

*”This isn’t just about one shark,”* said marine biologist Dr. Jodie Rummer (James Cook University). *”It’s a warning about how little we know—and how much we’re losing—before we even catalog it.”*

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### FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About the “Lazy Shark”

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### The Bottom Line: A Race Against Time for PNG’s “Lazy Shark”

With its unique markings, limited range, and growing threats, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae embodies the fragility of shallow-water ecosystems. Unlike charismatic megafauna (like whales or sea turtles), small, endemic species often slip through the cracks—until it’s too late.

*”This discovery is a reminder that we’re still finding new species, but also that we’re losing them faster than we can name them,”* Dudgeon said.

For now, the fate of the “lazy shark” rests on local conservation efforts and whether PNG can establish protected areas before habitat loss pushes it toward extinction.

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What Should We Do Next?

This story highlights the critical role of community-led conservation in preserving biodiversity. If you’re fascinated by marine life, consider:

• Exploring how indigenous groups are protecting PNG’s reefs.
• Reading about the science behind walking sharks’ unique adaptations.
• Sharing this article to raise awareness—every voice counts in saving species like H. dudgeonae.

Have questions or insights? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you.