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Become a citizen scientist with TSCK
Join our Shark Project!


The Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) is proud to host four Sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus): Bibi, Bandar, Bader and Badriyah. Bader and Badriyah were born at TSCK in 2022. This successful reproductive event is an extraordinary accomplishment, as live birth in captive Sand tiger sharks is rare and celebrated.
Bandar

بندر، الأب

Bandar, The Father

Bibi

بيبي، الأم

Bibi, The Mother

Bader

بدر، الولد

Bader, The Son

Badriyah

بدرية، البنت

Badriya, The Daughter



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  • What are we studying?


We are studying the factors that are linked to reproductive success in captive Sand tiger sharks.
  • Why is it important?


Captive breeding programs for the critically endangered Sand tiger sharks offer immense conservation benefits. A carefully managed release programs could have the potential to augment depleted wild stocks.
  • How can you help?


Join us in making a meaningful impact on shark conservation by participating in our research project. By observing and reporting on the reproductive behaviours of the Sand tiger sharks at TSCK, you will play a key role in helping us reveal the factors necessary for successful natural reproduction in captivity.

Interested in Learning More About
Reproduction in Sand Tiger Sharks?

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How to differentiate between male and female shark?


Female



Female Shark

Cloaca

Cloaca

Cloaca (المذرق)



Male



Male Shark

Clasper

Clasper

Clasper (ماسكات)

  • When do they mature?


Females mature between 7 and 10 years, while males mature around 5 to 7 years. Sand tiger sharks are ovoviviparous, meaning embryos develop inside eggs within the mother’s body and hatch before birth. Females produce only two pups every 2–3 years. In each gestation, only one embryo survives per uterus due to a unique behaviour called "intrauterine cannibalism”, where the most developed embryo consumes its weaker siblings.
  • Do they have a mating season?


Yes, in the wild sand tiger sharks display seasonal mating patterns, with peak activity occurring during spring (March) to early summer (June), varying slightly by geographic location.

Not sure what to look for? Below Are the illustrations on the behaviors to watch for?

Observe and Report


1. Male & Female Behaviour



Tailing: Male following the female in close proximity
Tailing

Nosing: Male touching the female’s ventral side with its snout
Nosing

Copulation: Male biting on the pectoral fin of the female and swimming besides her
Copulation

2. Female specific Behaviour: Increase swimming speed, cupping or flaring of pelvic fins



Female Behaviour

3. Male specific behaviour: Increase swimming speed, bending or flaring of claspers



Male Behaviour

Submit Your Observations!


Join our Citizen Science initiative by reporting your observations of Sand tiger shark behaviours. Use the form below to share your findings and contribute to this important research project:







Leading Scientific Team

Amani S. Alzaidan, PhD

Assistant Professor

Marine Ecology and Conservation, Kuwait University

AbdulRahman Almajed, MSc

Environmental Scientist

Acknowledgment

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) for their support and encouragement in making this project possible. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Scientific Center of Kuwait (TSCK) and their hardworking team for their exceptional contributions and dedication. Special recognition is given to Eng. Msaed Al Yaseen, the General Manager of TSCK and Mohammad Al Sanousi, Deputy General Manager for their leadership, guidance and believing in the value of this research. We would also like to thank Hussain Al-Sayegh, Aquarium Department Manager, and Sahar Al Nasser, Aquarium Department Assistant Manager, for facilitating the work, Sulaiman Al Bader, Facilities Department Manager, and Alexander Pandaka for leading the camera crane design and build. Firas Sulaiman, IT Department Manager, and Abraham Jacob for web development. Sarah AlYagout, Marketing Department Manager, for web communication and marketing the project. Maged El Barbary, Finance Department Manager, for channelling and facilitating our finances.

We also acknowledge the efforts of the following staff members, whose professionalism and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the success of this project, these are Sanjay Martis for being out IT and data connection superhuman., Thekkekara S. Paulose for electoral connection, Ecovert maintenance team for the installation of the camera crane, and Raith Dewanti for creating the Sand tiger shark scientific illustrations used for this project. From the aquarium staff we are immensely grateful for the efforts of Rawan Sadiq, Rawan Khudair, Nicomedes Equilos, Iyappan Parma Sivan, Kakarla B. Krishn Selvam Sellapan, and Zeinah Al Enizi for their efforts in collecting water samples required for environmental testing. Lastly, we are incredibly grateful for the National Unit for Environmental Research and Services (NUERS) and the Research Sector Projects Unit (RSPU) for processing all our water samples. The collective efforts and contributions of everyone have been invaluable to the success of this project and have set a benchmark for collaboration and excellence. Thank you all for your hard work and unwavering support.





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