The ornate wobbegong lives in waters off eastern Australia. Unlike fast swimming predators, this species waits on the sea floor to ambush prey.
Though not as famous as the great white shark, it faces pressure from habitat destruction and localized fisheries. Protecting marine habitats in many countries is key to helping this and other sharks survive.
Across the ocean, rare sharks remind us that not all predators are thriving. Many marine species face extinction due to habitat degradation, international trade, and unsustainable fisheries.
As scientists track conservation status and governments regulate commercial fishing, the future of these endangered species depends on global cooperation.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.