A Decade of Progress: From Endangered Status to Rewilding — The Return of Leopard Sharks to Thai Waters
- Shark Guardian
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Ten years ago, in 2016, Zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum), also known as Leopard sharks, were officially listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It was a sobering moment for ocean conservation across the Indo-Pacific.
That decision was driven by data. Years of research, long-term monitoring and thousands of photo submissions from divers and snorkelers through citizen science programs like Spot the Leopard Shark in Thailand. Fast forward a decade, and that same data has now made something remarkable possible.
A New Chapter: Rewilding Through the StAR Project
In 2025, Thailand launched the StAR Project (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery Project), a groundbreaking national rewilding initiative and part of the global ReShark Initiative, supported by WildAid, Ocean Blue Tree, and a network of conservation partners.
By December 2025, four young Zebra) sharks - Maiton, Hope, Spot, and Toty, were released into Thailand’s Andaman Sea, marking a historic milestone in the mission to restore one of the region’s most endangered shark species. This release, supported by Shark Guardian alongside government agencies, NGOs, aquariums, and community partners, followed earlier releases in September and represented years of careful planning and dedication.
Each of these sharks represents an extensive journey of coordinated conservation efforts, ranging from hatchery care and habitat preparation to genetic research and satellite tracking. This accomplishment is the result of a decade of education, research, and citizen science. This support has enabled scientists to track individual sharks, evaluate population changes, and now implement advanced, science-based rewilding techniques.
This achievement is the result of years of scientists studying spot patterns and population genetics, divers in Thailand contributing thousands of photos via Shark Guardian's citizen science projects, and conservation partners working together across borders and fields. Crucially, it was driven by the dedication of communities and educators who maintained the mission through awareness and involvement.
Today, these efforts are already showing promising early results. Tracking data reveals that the released sharks are surviving, adapting, and reclaiming their place in Thailand’s marine ecosystem - a powerful testament to what long-term collaboration and commitment can achieve.
Preliminary Tracking Data Shows Promising Signs for Shark Rewilding Initiatives
Preliminary tracking data is offering a sense of optimism and hope for marine conservationists and ecologists alike. The initial movement patterns observed in the released sharks reveal encouraging signs that these magnificent creatures are not only surviving but are also adjusting and flourishing within their natural habitat. This positive trend is a strong indication that rewilding initiatives, which aim to restore ecosystems to their natural state, can indeed play a crucial role in aiding the recovery of local shark populations that have been declining due to various anthropogenic pressures, such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.
The data collected from tracking devices attached to the sharks provides valuable insights into their behavior and movement patterns post-release. Observations show that these sharks are successfully navigating their environments, finding food sources, and establishing territories. Such adaptability is a vital component of their survival and suggests that the rewilding process is effectively reinstating their natural instincts and behaviors. This is not just a matter of individual survival; it reflects a broader ecological balance being restored, which is essential for the health of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, this situation underscores a significant message: recovery of shark populations is indeed achievable when education, science, and community collaboration come together.
Educational programs that raise awareness about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems have been pivotal in garnering public support for conservation efforts. By informing local communities about the ecological role of sharks as apex predators, these initiatives foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards marine environments. Additionally, the scientific research behind these tracking efforts is crucial. It involves rigorous methodologies that ensure accurate data collection and analysis, allowing researchers to make informed decisions about management practices and conservation strategies. The collaboration between scientists and local communities enhances the effectiveness of these initiatives, as community members often provide invaluable local knowledge and insights that can inform research and conservation actions.
In conclusion, the preliminary tracking data not only highlights the resilience of sharks in adapting to their natural habitats but also serves as a beacon of hope for conservation efforts. The successful integration of education, scientific research, and community involvement demonstrates that collaborative efforts can lead to tangible outcomes in the restoration of shark populations. As we continue to monitor these developments, it becomes increasingly clear that with the right approach, we can foster a thriving marine ecosystem that benefits both wildlife and human communities.
How You Can Help
Submit your photos: Past or present, every image of a Zebra (Leopard) shark helps build the data record.
Visit the StAR Project for updates.
Subscribe to the Shark Guardian newsletter for the latest on shark releases, citizen science results, and conservation expeditions.
Learn more about Zebra sharks
Acknowledgements
Shark Guardian proudly supports the StAR Project Thailand, in collaboration with WildAid, Ocean Blue Tree, ReShark, and partners dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity.