Scientists Are Now 'Hypnotizing' Male Sharks to Get Their Semen; Conduct First Artificial Insemination
For decades experts have been trying to find ways to stop the population decline of vulnerable animals. Several methods require the subjects to enter into states that are not typical for them. Experts must strike a balance between the well-being of the remaining animals and the pursuit of population enhancement. Researchers have figured out a procedure that they believe looks after both facets, stated IFL Science.
The method is known as "tonic immobility." Sharks underwent this procedure, with researchers hoping that it would increase their numbers. In this procedure, the male sharks of this group are 'hypnotized' and semens are collected from them. Experts have recently conducted the first artificial insemination of Leopard sharks from Australia utilizing this method. The hypnotization happens by stimulating the sensory pores of the male sharks. These pores were on the fish's snout.
After the shark was induced, scientists turned him upside down. Researchers claimed that the subjects were disoriented, resulting in their muscles being relaxed and breathing becoming more rhythmic. The shark's state made the whole exercise easier to manage. The fish's condition raised questions in many people's minds as to whether the procedure was safe for the subject. Researchers assured that the shark received no harm in this method. The experts further claimed that once the shark was released from the state, he would return to normalcy.
Five experts went underwater to garner samples from the subjects. "It meant that our five-person team could syringe out semen and blood samples from male sharks underwater in the wild," explained leopard shark researcher Dr Christine Dudgeon. Researchers then started the process of artificially inseminating female leopard sharks at SeaWorld Gold Coast, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore using the collected samples.
Such procedures are important because they help in replenishing the numbers of beings like Indo-Pacific leopard sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum), who have been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. "We hope this marine reproduction technique will be a game-changer for international projects aiming to replenish the Stegostoma species globally, particularly in areas such as Indonesia where it is in danger of becoming extinct," said Dudgeon.
The phenomenon of tonic mobility has been observed in rays and birds. However, unlike sharks, they do not need to be turned upside down. Researchers believe that for some species, this phenomenon is connected to mating, while for others, it could be associated with defense tactics.
The whole operation was conducted by experts associated with the Great Australian Stegostoma Semen Expedition (GASSE), stated Interesting Engineering. Researchers are now planning to go into northern New South Wales to collect further semen samples from vulnerable shark species. During the exercise, they will also attach acoustic tags to male sharks to track their movement. "We can now follow these sharks’ movements … to further inform conservation work for this ambitious restocking project," Dudgeon added. The team believes that understanding how sharks move will aid them in formulating better conservation strategies.