Keywords
distribution
hot spot
kernel density estimation
eastern Mediterranean
How to Cite
Abstract
This study provides an updated synthesis of the occurrence and distribution of smalltooth sandtiger shark, Odontaspis ferox, in the Mediterranean Sea, based on 46 records spanning the period 1964–2025. Occurrence records were found to be unevenly distributed across the basin, with a pronounced concentration in the Aegean Sea (GSA 22), which accounted for nearly half of all records. Kernel density estimation further supported this spatial clustering. Temporal analysis revealed a significant increase in the annual number of records, reflecting both intensified research efforts and a growing contribution of citizen science facilitated by digital technologies.
Although some records from Libyan and Syrian waters could not be included due to the lack of precise locality data, the present compilation represents a substantial increase compared to earlier assessments.
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