Norfolk Island tiger sharks identified as among the world's largest
A study by Flinders University has identified that tiger sharks near Norfolk Island are among the largest in the world. Research involving 35 tagged sharks revealed a median length of 4 metres for the population.
The largest individuals recorded include a 4.5-metre female and a 4.1-metre male. These measurements exceed those found in a 2022 East Coast study, which recorded a maximum female length of 3.8 metres.
Ecologist Professor Charlie Huveneers suggests the size of these sharks is likely due to their age and the availability of nutrition, such as mutton birds and beef offal, in the pristine waters. Unlike other regions, this population thrives without the use of food-based attractants by wildlife tour operators.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The large size of Norfolk Island tiger sharks is likely due to their age and access to nutrition. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] A Flinders University study of 35 tagged sharks found a median length of 4 metres for Norfolk tiger sharks. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Norfolk Island tiger shark population exists in a small area without the influence of food-based attractants from tour operators. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The largest female tiger shark tagged in Norfolk Island measured 4.5 metres. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Norfolk Island tiger sharks are larger than those in a 2022 East Coast study, where the largest female was 3.8 metres. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The largest male tiger shark tagged in Norfolk Island measured 4.1 metres. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au