Critically Endangered Ganges Shark Rediscovered in North Kalimantan's Sesayap River
A groundbreaking discovery regarding a nearly extinct freshwater shark has been announced by a joint research team. The population of the Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus), a freshwater species long considered nearly extinct worldwide, has been rediscovered in Indonesia’s Sesayap River, located in Tana Tidung Regency, North Kalimantan.
The study is the result of a strategic collaboration between Hasanuddin University (Unhas), James Cook University (Australia), and Borneo Tarakan University. This finding offers hope to the international conservation community given the species’ extreme rarity.
Historical data shows that since 2000, sightings of the Ganges shark have been recorded fewer than ten times across its native range, stretching from Pakistan to Myanmar. This has led the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify it as Critically Endangered.
However, field research conducted in 2023 yielded surprising results. Within less than three weeks, researchers observed 43 Ganges shark specimens in the Sesayap River, confirming the area as one of the most critical remaining habitats for the species’ survival.
Representative of Unhas Rector Prof. Rohani Ambo Rappe stated that the discovery is more than just an academic achievement. He explained that Unhas’ involvement since 2022 aimed to develop a fair and collaborative conservation model.
“This discovery is about building a conservation model that is acceptable to local communities. We are pushing for the formation of a shark and ray research consortium in Kalimantan to align scientific data with policy strengthening,” Prof. Rohani said in Makassar on Monday, 25 May.
He added that the research is part of the university’s long-term commitment to delivering science that directly addresses global environmental issues. Local communities are expected to play a vital role in solving habitat protection in the Sesayap River.
James Cook University researcher Michael Grant emphasised the importance of the Sesayap River’s status as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA). With this recognition, protection of the river ecosystem in North Kalimantan is hoped to become a national and international priority.
The rediscovery of the Ganges shark in North Kalimantan demonstrates Indonesia’s remarkable biodiversity and its role as the last refuge for species thought to have vanished from the world map. Cross-border collaboration and local academic involvement are key to opening hope for freshwater ecosystem conservation in the future. (Ant/E-3)