Rare Ganges shark, never photographed alive, found in Indonesian Borneo

The elusive Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus), a critically endangered species, has long been a mystery to scientists, with no confirmed photographs of the animal alive in its natural habitat. The only evidence biologists typically possessed came from deceased specimens found as accidental catches. This rare river shark, preferring murky, low-saline waters, is one of only three such species globally, making sightings exceptionally difficult.

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We suspected they still lived in the rivers of Borneo, but nobody had gone looking for them.

Historically found in parts of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Myanmar, populations were believed to be dwindling, with estimates suggesting only around 240 adult individuals remained. The last official sighting near the Ganges River was in 2017. However, recent fieldwork in Indonesia's Borneo has provided a significant breakthrough, potentially identifying the species' last viable habitat.

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It was such an exciting and important discovery.

During a 2023 expedition led by researcher Michael Grant of James Cook University, a chance encounter with a fisherman in the Sesayap River area yielded an astonishing discovery. The fisherman reported catching 17 Ganges sharks in just one week – a number far exceeding the total identified globally over the preceding two decades. This find confirmed suspicions that the species might still inhabit Bornean rivers, despite previous lack of targeted research.

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Honestly, I didn't think such a habitat still existed in Indonesia, especially in North Kalimantan, given our large population and the pressures from mining, oil palm plantations, and other forms of development.

This remarkable discovery prompted the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group to designate the Sesayap River as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) in 2024. A follow-up expedition in May aimed to further investigate the area and initiate conservation efforts. Grant expressed optimism, noting that local communities appear willing to participate in protecting the species. He believes intentional exploitation is unlikely, as the shark does not seem to be a crucial part of the local economy or culture.

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It was a huge success.