Sharks
More than a dozen species of shark can be found in Mauritius.
The most common are Grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and Bull-sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), less common are Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and Silvertip sharks (Carcharhinus albimarginatus), and the world’s largest fish, Whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Unfortunately, in recent years divers have seen a reduction in both the number and frequency of shark sightings. Given the importance of sharks, especially reef sharks for the health of marine ecosystems, sharks need to be protected and conserved. One of probably the last places in Mauritius where reef sharks can be found regularly is at the Round and Serpent Islands reefs.
To conserve reef sharks, MMСO has included activities to protect the habitats of Grey reef sharks and Whitetip reef sharks in the Project ‘Conservation of Endangered Marine Megafauna Species of Mauritius’ (learn more – active link to Research Projects)
