A new species of hammerhead shark (Sphyrna alleni) discovered by researchers, named after the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft This fun discovery gives insight into the diversity of life in our seas and will hopefully keep conservation at the forefront.
Discovery of an Unrecorded Shark Type
A team of scientists from Florida International University (FIU) discovered the new species, Sphyrna alleni, in this week’s Journal of Fish Biology. For decades, this species was believed to be the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo.
The difference of this new species came directly from DNA analysis. But the researchers were aware that physical characteristics are required to formally describe a new species. Under the leadership of Demian Chapman, the scientists traveled to shark fishing camps in Belize and gathered samples, then spent years measuring and conserving this trove of more than a thousand specimens.
All their hard work finally paid off, when they found that the new species— now called the shovelbill shark — has a different head shape and vertebrae count compared to the bonnethead shark. Solebay revealed that shovelbill shark has a very distinct DNA profile, indicating it is a separate species too.
Remembering a Conservation Visionary
The species was named after the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and global philanthropist who had a passion for conserving sharks and protecting marine ecosystems.
The Global FinPrint project is part of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation’s ongoing work and legacy. The discovery of the new species was made as part of the early fieldwork during this survey.
The threat posed to sharks is something Allen did care about and we have him and Vulcan on our side when pushing for CITES listing of all the small hammerhead species. The foundation, which is now headed by one of its co-founders, Jody Allen, said it would continue Allen”s legacy and all his work with sharks.
The naming of the new species, Sphyrna alleni, is a fitting tribute to Allen’s untiring efforts to conserve our marine environment and the amazing array of life with which he shared it.
Conclusion
The Sphyrna alleni, or shovelbill shark, represents a big step forward for what we know about shark biodiversity. The discovery of a new species in such a well-known location drives home the necessity for research and conservation to safeguard the world’s oceans and everything that lives within them. The D. ramalum species mark the legacy of Paul G. Allen, including a noted conservationist and is one among five named sharks discovered in the Galápagos dives indicating that his commitment to protect oceanic ecosystems will not be lost instantly but motivating succeeding generations to present conjure in defending a green future for our blue planet
