Scientists working in Papua New Guinea have identified a previously unknown species of walking shark, adding to a small but remarkable group of cartilaginous fish that locomote using their pectoral fins rather than swimming.
The new species, formally named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, represents the tenth recorded walking shark species. Researchers discovered it inhabiting shallow reef environments in Papua New Guinea, where it moves across the seafloor by pushing itself forward with modified fins that function almost like limbs.
Walking sharks belong to the family Hemiscyllidae and evolved this terrestrial-style movement as an adaptation to shallow reef environments. The behavior allows them to hunt along reef flats during low tide, accessing prey that standard swimmers cannot reach. All known walking shark species occupy restricted geographic ranges, typically confined to specific reef systems in Southeast Asia and Australia.
The limited distribution of H. dudgeonae raises conservation concerns. Researchers note that its narrow habitat range puts the species at elevated risk of extinction from localized threats including habitat destruction, fishing pressure, and climate change impacts on coral reef systems. Many walking shark species live nowhere else on Earth, making their small populations vulnerable to disturbance.
Walking sharks share characteristics with other bottom-dwelling sharks but represent a unique evolutionary strategy. Their pectoral fins developed increased mobility and structural complexity compared to relatives, enabling the distinctive "walking" gait observed in shallow waters.
The discovery comes as scientists continue surveying reef systems in the Indo-Pacific region, where many undescribed shark species likely remain unknown. New Scientist reported the finding, though the formal taxonomic description would appear in peer-reviewed literature through institutional researchers involved in the work.
This discovery underscores both the biological diversity of tropical reef ecosystems and the urgency of understanding and protecting species before they disappear. With coral reef habitats declining globally, documenting newly discovered species becomes increasingly important for conservation planning and baseline biod