22 Most Endangered Sharks in the World

Welcome to the Most Endangered Sharks.

Sharks are highly misunderstood animals. The most obvious example from popular culture is of course the iconic movie Jaws, which portrays these majestic marine animals as bloodthirsty man-eaters.

But in fact, many shark species are in a fragile position – risking extinction. In this article, we will look at the world’s top 22 most endangered sharks and see what we can do to protect them.

Swim ahead by following the links below.

Key points

Introduction

Our sharks are essential to our oceans and the health of marine ecosystems. Yet, according to research we will lose around a hundred million sharks annually by the decade’s end.

Like many other species sharks are in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and pollution. Commercial fishing boats kill sharks by the millions every year. Clearly, sharks are being harvested at an unsustainable rate.

As coastal development continues, important shark habitats are being destroyed. It includes mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Without these habitats, sharks cannot thrive. These threats have led to a sharp decline in shark populations worldwide. 

The 23 most endangered sharks list includes many types of shark that you might not even have heard of!

#1 Whale Shark

This is the largest shark species and you can read our dedicated article on the largest whale shark to get a true scope of their size!

However, despite its size, the majority of their diet consists of the small fish plankton. This makes them harmless towards humans. We are however as harmless towards this majestic animal and they are endangered due to overfishing and being caught as bycatch. Sadly, humans hunt them for their meat, oil, and fins. We can help the whale shark by not consuming their meat and products and by supporting organizations working to protect them.

#2 Great White Shark

This is the most feared predator. But despite its fearsome reputation, this massive fish is in danger of extinction. Several reasons exist, including overfishing, habitat loss, and human exploitation.

Humans exploit Great White Sharks at an alarming rate. People use their jaw and teeth to make trophies and their fins to make soup. All around the world this exploitation contributes to the decline of great white shark populations.

We can help save great white sharks by working to reduce these threats through regulation of fisheries and banning the fin trade. We also need to educate people about the importance of these predators and the dangers they face.

Because no aquarium can hold a great white shark, they only have one home and must be protected.
With our help, great white sharks can recover and thrive in the oceans. If you are interested, you can read one of our dedicated articles on the topic!

#3 Scalloped Hammerhead

The scalloped hammerhead is a large species of hammerhead shark and one of the world’s most endangered sharks. Overfishing poses a great threat to them as they are frequently caught as by-catch by fisheries. Shark fin soup is often made from the scalloped hammerhead’s fins, which are also harvested.

However, we can help the scalloped hammerhead in multiple ways. Firstly, we can support sustainable fisheries that do not target this species. We can also lobby for stricter regulations on shark finning and work to raise awareness of the plight of the scalloped hammerhead. Finally, we can support research and conservation efforts that are working to protect this species.

 #4 Daggernose Shark

This critically endangered species of requiem shark is endemic to the coast of South Africa. These sharks are threaten by bycatch, overfishing, and habitat loss, and degradation. Gillnets and trawl fisheries often catch the dagger nose shark as bycatch. Likewise, it is a main target of the South African shark finning industry.

It is vital to implement management measures of fisheries in order to reduce the amount of bycatch and incidental catch of this species. More research needs to be conducted into the ecology and life history of the Daggernose shark to understand better and protect this species. Finally, public awareness and education are key to helping protect this and other endangered species.

#5 Ganges Shark

As its name suggests, th Ganges shark inhabits the Ganges River in India. It is one of four species of freshwater shark, and the only one known to inhabit the Ganges River. They are the top predator in the Ganges River ecosystem and therefore an important species in the river’s food web. Consequently its extinction would significantly impact the ecosystem. The Ganges shark is an apex predator, preying on various fish, including catfish, eels, and even other sharks.

It is under threat from a variety of human activities. The Ganges River is being dammed for hydroelectric projects, and its flow is being altered by irrigation and other water uses. Overfishing and pollution also pose a major threat. For these reasons they are on the IUCN’s list of the most endangered species. Thankfully Indian law protects these endangered sharks, though more needs to be done to save them.

#6 Angel Shark

The Angel Shark is an endangered shark inhabiting the waters off the coast of California. Only around 200-300 of these sharks are thought to be left in the wild, and they are at risk of extinction due to numerous factors, including overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss.

Several things can help the Angel Shark, including raising awareness of the species and its plight, reducing bycatch and habitat loss, and supporting research and conservation efforts.
Read more about the marine apocalypse on California’s coast with our dedicated article.

#7 Pondicherry Shark

This critically endangered species of requiem shark is endemic to the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the rarest and most endangered sharks worldwide, with an estimated population of only 250-270 individuals. The primary threats to this species are unsustainable fishing practices, including bycatch and finning.

To protect the Pondicherry shark and its habitat we can help by supporting conservation efforts to reduce fishing pressure and bycatch, and by advocating for stronger protections for this species. Being mindful of our seafood consumption and avoiding products that may contribute to the decline of this species is also a good way of preventing its extinction.

#8 Basking Shark

The Basking shark is an enormous, slow-moving filter feeder that cruises the world’s oceans, preying on plankton. They are currently an endangered species. Several reasons for this decline include overfishing, bycatch, and habitat loss.

Overfishing is a major problem for the Basking shark. Their precious fins and oil cause them to be a target. Bycatch is also a major problem, as the Basking shark is often caught in nets meant for other fish. Lastly, habitat loss is also a threat to these creatures.

As the world’s oceans become more polluted and climate change causes sea levels to rise, the Basking shark’s habitat is increasingly threatened. We can help the Basking shark by supporting conservation efforts, such as those that seek to reduce bycatch and habitat loss. 

#9 Porbeagle Shark

The Porbeagle shark is a large, fast-swimming shark found in temperate and cold waters worldwide. These sharks are prized for their meat, fins, and oil, so they are heavily hunted. Ever since the 1970s its population has been decreasing.

We can support conservation efforts that are working to reduce the demand for shark products. We must make people aware of these sharks’ dire situation and the significance of protecting these creatures.

#10 Smoothback Angel Shark

This creature is a requiem shark native to the coasts of Africa and Arabia. Compared to other sharks it is a very tiny species with a maximum length of 1.6 m. The Smoothback angel shark is a bottom-dwelling shark that prefers sandy or muddy habitats in shallow waters. They are nocturnal predators which feed on small bony fish, squid, and crustaceans.

The Smoothback Angel is part of the IUCN Red List. The primary threat to this species is fisheries bycatch. The Smoothback Angel Shark is often caught as a bycatch in bottom trawls and gillnets. It is also harvested for its meat, fins, and liver oil. Conservation efforts for this species include activism to improve regulations on bottom trawling, especially in areas where the Smoothback Angel Shark is common.

#11 Squatina Squatina

The Squatina squatina is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its slow reproductive rate it is particularly prone to overfishing. Such overfishing not only reduces the number of Squatina Squatina in the wild, but also disrupts the species’ food chain. In turn, this may lead to the depletion of other species that the Squatina Squatina relies on for food. 

Additionally, habitat loss and pollution also contributes to the decline of the Squatina Squatina. It can happen due to human activity, such as fishing, mining, or construction. Pollution harms the Squatina Squatina while also contaminating the water and making it difficult for the shark to find food.

We can assist the Squatina Squatina by supporting sustainable fishing practices. It means fishing in a way that does not damage the environment and not overfishing. Another way to help is to reduce pollution by properly disposing of waste and by using less harmful chemicals. Creating marine protected areas or replanting coral reefs is also essential, and would help many other endangered species.

#12 Glyphis

The Glyphis is a type of river dolphin living in estuarine and freshwater rivers in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Entanglement in fishing gear, pollution, and habitat loss are the main reasons causing their endangerment.

Various conservation efforts could help the Glyphis, such as: reducing pollution and increasing the awareness of the importance of these dolphins. Additionally, it is important to support efforts to protect their habitat, including working to reduce habitat loss and fragmentation. 

#13 Striped Smooth-Hound

The Striped Smooth-Hound is a species of houndshark found in the western Atlantic Ocean. The Striped Smooth-Hound is often caught as a bycatch in gillnets and trawls. Moreover, this species is also popular in the live fish trade.

To support this creature we must adopt sustainable fishing practices. It means buying fish caught using methods that don’t harm other marine life, avoiding products made from sharks. Finally, we can help by raising awareness about this endangered species. We can do this by sharing information about the Striped Smooth-Hound with others and by supporting conservation efforts.

#14 New Guinea River Shark

The New Guinea River Shark is a species of requiem shark that is endemic to the waters of New Guinea. This species faces several threats, including habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution.

We can help the New Guinea river shark by protecting its habitat and working to reduce the threats it faces. This includes reducing habitat loss and degradation, protecting it from overfishing, and reducing the environmental pollution. 

#15 Sand Tiger Shark

These sharks exist in a large portion of the western Atlantic Ocean, stretching from New Jersey to Florida in the United States, and from northern Brazil to southern Argentina. The sand tiger is a large shark, with males reaching a length of up to 3.2 m (10 ft) and females reaching a length of up to 4 m (13 ft). Yes that’s correct – unusually the female is bigger than the males. They are a relatively slow-moving shark and often stays near the bottom of the ocean.

Moreover it is a viviparous species, which means that the females give birth to live offspring. Overfishing and habitat loss put the sand tiger shark at risk. This creature is hunted for its fins, used in the shark fin soup trade, and is frequently caught as a bycatch in fisheries. There are several ways we can help the sand tiger shark, such as by supporting conservation efforts and avoiding purchasing products made from shark’s fins.

#16 Great Hammerhead Shark

The great hammerhead sharks main threats to this species are overfishing and bycatch. Additionally, coastal development and pollution is currently degrading its habitat.

We can help the great hammerhead shark by cleaning up coastal areas and reducing pollution. Finally, we can raise awareness about the great hammerhead shark and the threats it faces.

#17 Oceanic Whitetip Shark

It is yet a beautiful and majestic creature of the ocean which is risking extinction. According to estimations, only 300-500 of these sharks still live in the wild. Again, it is overfishing which is causing their endangerment. Their fins are highly prized in the Asian market as they are used in shark fin soup. Consequently, these sharks are frequently captured and their fins removed while they are still alive.

It is an extremely cruel practice that must come to an end. There are many ways that we can help these sharks. One way is to support organizations that are working to stop the practice of finning. Another way is to boycott restaurants that serve shark fin soup. We can raise awareness about this issue and educate others on the importance of saving these amazing creatures. 

#18 Borneo Shark

The Borneo shark is found in the waters around the island of Borneo. This shark is on the IUCN Red List due suffering from overfishing and habitat loss. Growing to a maximum length of around 2.5 meters it is a relatively small shark. The Borneo Shark is a top predator in its environment, feeding on fish, squid, and octopuses.

They are  in danger due to overfishing and habitat loss. There is currently no conservation action for this species, which is decreasing in number quickly.

In order to help the Borneo shark; firstly, fisheries need to operate in a way that reduces the bycatch of this species. Secondly, coastal development needs to be done in such a way as to minimize habitat loss. Finally, raising public awareness of the plight of the Borneo shark to generate support is also important.

#19 Speartooth Shark

The Speartooth Shark is a critically endangered species of requiem shark, and one of the world’s largest sharks found in the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 12 feet long. These species are apex predators and are essential to the health of the marine ecosystem. However, they are endangered due to overfishing and being coveted for their fins – as so many other shark species.

Only an estimated 300-500 Speartooth Sharks still exist in the wild, a number which is declining even further. We can protect them by supporting conservation efforts and refusing to purchase products made from their fins. Likewise, we can also spread awareness about this amazing species and the dangers they face to build support for their protection.

#20 Smoothtooth Blacktip Shark

The Smoothtooth Blacktip Shark is in danger of extinction due to overfishing and losing its natural habitat. They make a dangerous predator in the Indian and Pacific Oceans coral reefs, where it preys on fish, octopuses, and squid. 

The loss of this species would have a devastating effect on the delicate balance of the coral reef ecosystem. We can do several things to help the Smoothtooth Blacktip Shark, including reducing our consumption of seafood, supporting sustainable fisheries, and protecting coral reefs.

#21 Dusky Shark

The Dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) is a large coastal shark in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. Due to their aggressive nature, they are one of the most dangerous sharks to humans. Recreational and commercial fisheries often target these sharks. Therefore, the Dusky Shark is also one of the most endangered sharks in the world.

There are many reasons why the Dusky Shark is in danger of extinction. One of the main reasons is overfishing, and is also a popular target for shark finning. In addition, the Dusky Shark’s slow reproductive rate means that it cannot keep up with the high mortality levels. 

To reduce the demand for shark products one can raise awareness of the plight of sharks, and the importance of conserving them.  

#22 Irrawaddy River Shark

The Irrawaddy River Shark is a critically endangered species of requiem shark. It inhabits the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, making it one of the few riverine sharks worldwide. The primary threat to the Irrawaddy river shark is overfishing, often caught as bycatch in gillnet and trawl fisheries. Therefore, the IUCN has listed the Irrawaddy river shark as “critically endangered” and urges immediate conservation action to save the species from extinction.

We can support organizations working to protect the species, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Myanmar, and raise awareness. 

Final Word

This article lists 22 most endangered sharks in the world. All of these sharks are at risk of extinction mainly due to overfishing, habitat loss, and finning. Despite being dangerous, they are actually desperate for our help.

It is crucial that these enormous creatures continue to thrive in the world’s oceans as they are extremely important for marine eco-systems.

Therefore us humans need to take responsibility. We must assist in building a future for sharks, oceans, and people. We’re finding new ways to protect the ocean. We’re creating new technologies that change the way the world does business. Additionally, we are doing everything in our power to improve the world.
The decrease in shark populations also affects the shark cage diving industry, you can read more about the relationship between sharks and the cage diving industry with another one of our articles.

Thank you for reading this article! If you are brave enough maybe you are dreaming about coming face to face with these fascinating ocean creatures? Then you should also read our article on The Best Places to Dive with Sharks.

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Josie Messeter

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BA Gender Studies & Literature

Josie is Swedish but has lived in South Africa for 12 years. She spends as much time as possible in the ocean or hiking in the mountains, no matter the weather. Although she adores all sorts of animals, dogs occupy the biggest spot in her heart – especially her Maltese-Chihuahua named Bootsy.

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