Article Title: International Whale Shark Day being celebrated to spread awareness about importance of whale sharks
30-08-2022
Environment & Ecology Prelims Plus
It is celebrated to spread awareness about the importance of whale sharks and their conservation.
Started in 2008 for the first time at the International Whale Shark Conference in Isla Holbox, this day has grown popular over the years.
Scientific Name: Rhincodon typus
Whale sharks are the largest shark species on the planet, which grow as much as 60 feet from the time of their birth.
It is known for its slow and gentle behavior.
It usually prefers to swim in shallow depths, but it is also found in waters as deep as 3,000 feet.
Whale sharks are found in all the tropical oceans of the world.
Whale sharks are highly valued on international markets.
Demand for their meat, fins and oil remains a threat to the species, particularly by unregulated fisheries. They are victims of bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target species in fishing gear.
Whale sharks have never attacked humans.
Protection Status: IUCN Red List: Endangered, CITES: Appendix II, Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
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