Australia holds key to saving endangered green sawfish
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Researchers from Murdoch University in Australia reviewed decades of research and determined that northern Australia, especially Western Australia’s Pilbara region, now supports some of the last remaining green sawfish populations on Earth.
Green sawfish, distinctive sharks with tooth-lined “saws” on their heads, face extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss in much of their former range, including parts of Africa and southern Asia. Jack Ingelbrecht and David Morgan led the team in compiling existing knowledge to guide future conservation efforts.
The scientists found Australia has been a global leader in green sawfish research for decades, partly because the species still exists there while disappearing elsewhere. However, the review also revealed critical gaps in understanding the size of remaining sawfish populations, the locations of essential habitats, and the number of mature individuals. Ingelbrecht stressed Australia’s responsibility to address these gaps and support recovery initiatives through ongoing research.
He believes the Pilbara region is especially important because it provides a rare opportunity to study healthy sawfish populations and determine effective conservation strategies. He expressed optimism that with sufficient support, research, and conservation measures, Australia can help ensure the survival of the green sawfish and serve as an example for the rest of the world.
