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Journal article
Observation of group courtship/copulating behavior for free-living Indo-Pacific Leopard sharks, Stegostoma tigrinum
Journal of Ethology, Vol.44, pp.17-26
2026
Abstract
Reproductive behaviors in wild sharks remain largely undocumented, yet they are critical for understanding population dynamics and informing conservation strategies. The Indo-Pacific Leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum), listed as endangered by the IUCN, has primarily been studied in captivity, with little information on its natural mating behaviors. Here, we present the first documented observations of group copulation in free-living S. tigrinum, recorded at Abore Reef, New Caledonia. Our observations detail a sequential mating event involving two males and a single female over a 90-min period. The mating behavior followed a structured sequence, including prolonged pre-copulation positioning, male grasping of the female’s fins and tail, conspicuous siphon sac, copulatory thrusting, and clasper use consistent with previous reports from captive settings. These findings provide novel insights into the species’ reproductive strategies and highlight the importance of identifying and protecting key mating habitats. Given the conservation concerns surrounding S. tigrinum, understanding these mating mechanisms and recognizing reproductive sites are crucial for effective species management. Our study underscores the need for further field observations to better understand the reproductive ecology of S. tigrinum and support targeted conservation efforts. Digital video images related to the article are available at: http://www.momo-p.com/showdetail-e.php?movieid=momo250903st01a.
Details
- Title
- Observation of group courtship/copulating behavior for free-living Indo-Pacific Leopard sharks, Stegostoma tigrinum
- Authors
- Hugo Lassauce (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringHugues Gossuin - Aquarium Des Lagons (New Caledonia)Christine L. Dudgeon - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringOlivier Chateau - Aquarium Des Lagons (New Caledonia)
- Publication details
- Journal of Ethology, Vol.44, pp.17-26
- Publisher
- Springer Japan KK
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10164-025-00866-4
- ISSN
- 1439-5444; 0289-0771
- Data Availability
- The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are not publicly archived but are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
- Grant note
- We are grateful to MAC3 Impact Philanthropies for their financial support.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991164844402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Behavioral Sciences
- Zoology
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Source: InCites