The Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) is one of the most endangered species in Australian waters. Two populations exist in Australian waters, a west coast population that is listed as vulnerable and the east coast population that is listed as critically endangered. The range of the east coast population is believed to extend from Wolf Rock in Queensland down to Montague Island in NSW. There are less than 500 individuals remaining on the east coast of Australia.
The species is also found in several other locations around the world. It is known as the Ragged Tooth Shark in Africa and the Sand Tiger Shark in the United States.
The grey nurse shark is a slow growing species that has a very low reproductive cycle. Mature females (8 years of age) give birth on average too two pups every 2nd year (1 pup a year average). The maximum size for the species is believed to be about 3.5 metres and they can grow up to 25 years old in the wild. They are considered a harmless shark and are not a threat to humans unless they are provoked.
