science
New Walking Shark Species Identified in Papua New Guinea
Researchers have described Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, a walking shark found only in Milne Bay. The species was confirmed through DNA testing after initial sightings in March 2025.
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A new species of walking shark has been identified in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. New Scientist reported that the shark, named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, was formally described after researchers collected specimens and conducted DNA tests. Christine Dudgeon of the University of the Sunshine Coast first encountered the shark after midnight in March 2025 while swimming in one metre of water over seagrass.
The individual measured nearly three-quarters of a metre long. Dudgeon secured it using a technique called the flip and tuck before handing it to colleague Jess Blakeway on a nearby boat. Blakeway noted that the shark's colour pattern, featuring spots and dashes, differed from other known species in the genus.
Over the following days, the team captured 11 more individuals at three nearby sites. Three were retained for study while nine received tissue samples and were released. DNA analysis confirmed the sharks were genetically distinct from the nine other walking shark species already known.
The species is thought to inhabit only the coral reefs of Milne Bay. Locals refer to it as kadedekedewa. Blakeway said the discovery adds to Papua New Guinea's biodiversity yet the shark faces local extinction risks from coastal development, palm oil expansion and coral bleaching without urgent conservation measures.
The description appears in the Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation.
