sharks Archives - Australian Geographic

Megalodon: fact from fiction

There are lots of myths surrounding the megalodon, the biggest predatory shark in the world. Here, we sort fact from fiction.

Australian Geographic Shark Blog

Sharks were almost wiped out in a mysterious event 19 Million Years Ago. Could it happen again?

Sharks are evolutionary champions, but 19 million years ago they were mysteriously pushed to the brink, and humans may be repeating history.

Science & Environment

How to make a (scientifically accurate) megalodon sculpture

Two museum exhibits recently opened public displays featuring models of megalodon, but each is very different. Why?

Science & Environment

Number of shark and rays falls by more than 70 per cent in 50 years

New research conducted with the help of Australian scientists has found oceanic shark and ray numbers have dropped more than 70 per cent in 50 years.

Read – the best articles for kids

The world’s sharks are in trouble. They need our help and their time is running out. Today there are more than 140 sharks on the endangered list. Over fishing (mainly for their fins) and climate change are putting many at critical risk. Explorers caught up with marine biologist Blake Chapman to separate truth from fiction…. View Article

Read – the best articles for kids

Saving the sharks

Julius Nielsen is a marine biologist who studies the Greenland Shark – the world’s oldest type of shark.

Why sharks aren’t the killing machines we see on screen: Blake Chapman

Talking Australia

Why sharks aren't the killing machines we see on screen: Blake Chapman

00:00 / 00:34:24

Blake Chapman is one of the leading experts on sharks and their behaviours. The marine scientist focuses her work on shark development and neuroscience, and is an informed voice in the debate about shark attacks and measures.

Shark lady and dead set Aussie legend: Valerie Taylor (Rebroadcast)

Talking Australia

Shark lady and dead set Aussie legend: Valerie Taylor (Rebroadcast)

00:00 / 00:38:04

Valerie Taylor is the Grand Madame of Australian nature filming and to this day a passionate diver and wildlife advocate. Together with her husband Ron Taylor she produced some of the most iconic nature films about sharks and other marine wildlife. From their days as professional spearfishing champions the couple became wanted experts in their field of filming and swimming with sharks. This led to Hollywood knocking on their door in the mid 70s and asking for their help in making Steven Spielberg´s breakthrough film “JAWS” – one of the most iconic, successful and genre-breaking films of all time. On this episode Valerie shares some stories of her unique life, from her childhood in New Zealand during the war to her present passionate engagement for the environment. Make sure to check out Valerie´s latest children’s book “Melody the Mermaid”. This episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Chrissie Goldrick (Editor-in-chief at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com). You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic