- An endangered species ‘Pondicherry shark’ was spotted near Kumbhabhishekam landing point in Kakinada by the field biologists from the East Godavari Riverine Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) Foundation .
- This species have been protected under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
- Even in 2007 and 2016, it was spotted in the East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem region.
- It is locally known as ‘Pala Sora’ and scientifically known as Carcharhinus hemiodon.
- It belongs to the Carcharhinidae family with a growth of 3.3 feet.
- Zoologists have been trying to trace the species in the other parts of the country since 1979.
- The ‘Pondicherry Shark’ is on the verge of extinction and its conservation status which is on a par with the tiger.
- The only scientific information available about the species comes from 20 specimens collected from fish markets across the Indo-Pacific region.
- It is identified by its black tips of dorsal, pectoral and Tai fins. The front teeth are distinctly serrated at the base and smooth at the tip. (News Source: The Hindu)
