First record of a potential neonate tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) at a remote oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Issue 3 (24th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cambra, Marta; Madrigal‐Mora, Sergio; Chinchilla, Isaac; Golfín‐Duarte, Geiner; Lowe, Christopher G.; Espinoza, Mario
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 99:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 1140
• Page End: 1144
• Publication Date: 2021-06-24
• Subjects: apex predator -- baited remote underwater video stations -- Cocos Island -- Costa Rica -- pupping area; Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14774
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

Abstract: Tiger sharks ( Galeocerdo cuvier ) play an important ecological role as top predators, yet knowledge of their reproductive ecology is scarce. Here, the authors report the first observation of a potential neonate G. cuvier at Cocos Island, a predator‐dominated oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). The individual was detected using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). The cameras also detected female individuals potentially pregnant, suggesting that parturition may take place at or near the island. Nonetheless, it is still unclear if the presence of a single neonate is an isolated event or evidence that the species is using the island for reproduction.