Research finds bull shark in Hooghly River for first time

Research recently published by the Wildlife Institute of India in the Journal of Wildlife Science has reported the "first occurrence" of bull shark from inland water of River Hooghly, West Bengal based on molecular and morphometric investigations.

- SOUMYADIP MULLICK

KOLKATA:

According to the report, the global decline in the bull shark population, primarily due to overfishing, has led to its classification as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. "Globally, the shark populations are under severe threat due to direct and indirect human activities and concerns are being voiced in response to reports of declining numbers due to destructive fishing, industrial activities and habitat degradation," the report claimed. The specimen of a potential bull shark (C. leucas) was captured near Chandni Ghat, Hooghly, situated 180 km upstream from the mouth of the Hooghly River.