Researchers in Brazil have successfully captured footage of sharks engaging in hunting and patrolling behaviors in Baía do Sueste, part of the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. This project focuses on monitoring nursery areas for the lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) and the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), commonly known as the hammerhead shark. The aim is to deepen the understanding of these species’ behaviors and to enhance conservation efforts in the region.

Bianca Rangel, the coordinator of the Project Sharks and Rays of Noronha, emphasized the importance of these recordings in identifying the activities of the sharks during various situations. The research team is keen on distinguishing between different behaviors displayed by the sharks, such as hunting, mating, or general swimming without the pursuit of food or mates. This differentiation is crucial for conserving shark populations and ensuring the health of marine ecosystems in local waters.

The study has also revealed juvenile sharks participating in hunting activities, indicating that the behavior is not restricted to adults. According to Rangel, who is also affiliated with the University of São Paulo (USP), these observations could provide insights into the development of hunting skills in younger sharks and their role in the ecological dynamics of the area, further underlining the need for ongoing conservation initiatives in Fernando de Noronha and beyond.