December marks the halfway point of the “Where They Walk” project, a collaboration with the Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative, made possible by the support from Conservation Nation. Over the past six months, our dedicated ranger team has been conducting monthly surveys to gather crucial data on the walking sharks of the Conflict Islands.
Survey Activities
Since our last update, the ranger team has been busy conducting monthly surveys alongside their coral restoration work, nesting turtle surveys, and manta ray surveys. Walking shark surveys involve measuring the total length, girth, sex organs, and weight of the walking sharks. They also take photos for identification purposes and collect fin clips for population genetics. Additionally, the team draws blood samples to test for reproductive hormones, providing insights into the sharks’ reproductive biology.Real-Time Data Collection
While in the field, the ranger team uses the EarthRanger app to collect all data, allowing them to work paperlessly. This system significantly reduces the need to double-handle data, as it eliminates the process of transferring survey information from data sheets to a digital format. Being based in Australia, I am able to receive regular updates through the app, which provides real-time information on where and when the rangers encounter the sharks. For example, on the night of December 6th, the team visited Tupit and found two immature males.
Progress to Date
As of November 30th, the team has collected some interesting data with highlights including:- Islands Surveyed: 8 out of the 21 islands within the Conflict Islands atoll.
- Egg Case Discovery: One egg case was found washed up on Panasesa Island.
- Sharks Observed and Sampled: 134 walking sharks, including approximately 10 resightings.
- Blood Samples Collected: 100 samples successfully gathered.
- Genetic Analysis: 33 of the fin clips collected in June have now been sent off for genetic analysis.
- Female Representation: The ranger team now includes three local women trained in survey methods.
Gratitude and Future Plans
I couldn’t be more thankful to the team for their hard work and dedication that makes this project possible. These surveys will continue until June, when I will return to the Conflict Islands to conduct a final set of surveys with the ranger team and collect the remaining samples. We are excited about the progress made so far and look forward to seeing what else we can learn in the coming six months.
Follow The Walking Shark Project and Conflict Islands Conservation Initiative on Instagram for regular updates.
T’Noya Thompson is a Conservation Nation Established Conservationist and our Conservationist-in-Residence.
