NT

Near Threatened

Version

2006

Kyne, P.M. & Burgess, G.H.

Cavanagh, R.D. & White, W.T. (Shark Red List Authority)

A reef-dwelling, shallow water bamboo shark with a relatively wide distribution in the Indo-West Pacific from India east to Indonesia and north to southern Japan. Reaches 95 cm total length, but little is known of its biology, although some information is available from captive animals. The majority of its distribution is under substantial and generally unregulated fishing pressure, and this bamboo shark is landed and utilised for human consumption in nearly all countries within its range. It is also prized for the aquarium trade as it survives well for long periods in captivity. Furthermore, pressure on coral reef systems is high over much of its range, with the amount of available habitat for this and similar species being reduced due to extensive degradation/destruction of coral reefs through practices such as dynamite fishing and pollution from terrestrial runoff. Given human population increases, habitat degradation and continued, increasing exploitation of marine resources in the region, the conservation status of this coral reef species is of concern, warranting a Near Threatened assessment. Lack of detailed catch and aquarium trade data precludes a higher threat listing at this time, but the species should be carefully monitored throughout its range, particularly as the threats described are likely to continue to increase.