BITE MARKS OBSERVED ON A LARGE FEMALE WHITE SHARK CARCHARODON CARCHARIAS OFF CAMARGUE, FRANCE PROVIDE POTENTIAL INSIGHTS INTO THE REPRODUCTION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN POPULATION
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Keywords

white shark
Gulf of Lion
reproduction
bite marks
conservation

How to Cite

ZIANI, N., TONDU, F., BRU, R., MOSNIER, C., FOXONET, S., GALLIEN, R. B., POULY, M., TONIETTO, M. L., VERDON, L., DEYSSON, E., DE MADDALENA, A., & KABASAKAL, H. (2025). BITE MARKS OBSERVED ON A LARGE FEMALE WHITE SHARK CARCHARODON CARCHARIAS OFF CAMARGUE, FRANCE PROVIDE POTENTIAL INSIGHTS INTO THE REPRODUCTION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN POPULATION. ANNALES, SERIES HISTORIA NATURALIS, 35(1), 97–106. https://doi.org/10.19233/ASHN.2025.13

Abstract

The ecology of the great white shark Carcharodon carcharias in the Mediterranean remains largely unknown due to its rarity and population decline, despite its role as the region’s apex predator. In September 2022, we documented a rare adult female displaying distinct bite marks, swimming off the coast of the Camargue. From spring to autumn, the Gulf of Lion, particularly in the adjacent waters of the protected area of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, experiences a significant increase in biodiversity. Our observations suggest that this region may serve as a key latesummer feeding area for female great white sharks following copulation.

https://doi.org/10.19233/ASHN.2025.13
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