Protecting the Shark

The grey nurse shark, known as the sand tiger shark in the USA, is threatened by extinction.

Image: Humane Society International

The grey nurse shark, known as the sand tiger shark in America, is a species under threat. Estimates put their numbers to less than 500 in Australian waters. Environmentalists argue that the species, a top predator, is crucial to the local ecosystem. The grey nurse shark has been protected since 1984, but their numbers are still falling. The decline is blamed on fisherman who mistakenly hook them. Though fierce in appearance, the species is not considered a man-eater.

--BBC.co.uk has more information