CR

Pondicherry Shark

Carcharhinus hemiodon

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The pondicherry shark faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive fishing pressure throughout its limited range in the Indo-Pacific. Coastal development and pollution have degraded critical nursery habitats in shallow coastal waters where juveniles depend for survival. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with some populations potentially already extirpated from historical ranges.

Threat summary

Habitat

The pondicherry shark inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths in the Indo-Pacific region. This species prefers turbid nearshore environments and is often found in areas where freshwater meets saltwater, making it highly dependent on healthy coastal ecosystems.

Marine coastal/supratidal· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Pondicherry Shark classified as Critically Endangered?
Pondicherry Shark is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The pondicherry shark faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive fishing pressure throughout its limited range in the Indo-Pacific. Coastal development and pollution have degraded critical nursery habitats in shallow coastal waters where juveniles depend for survival. The species' extremely restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to localized threats, with some populations potentially already extirpated from historical ranges.
Where does Pondicherry Shark live?
Pondicherry Shark occurs in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia (plus 6 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pondicherry Shark?
The main threats to Pondicherry Shark are 5.4, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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