Overview

• UniSC biologist Hugo Lassauce filmed two males copulating in succession with a female at Abore Reef near Nouméa during a routine survey.
• The 110-second sequence lasted 63 seconds for the first male and 47 seconds for the second, after which the males lay immobile as the female swam away.
• The study in the Journal of Ethology provides the first scientifically documented wild mating for leopard sharks, a species largely studied in captivity.
• Researchers observed pectoral fin wounds on the female and noted both males had been sighted at the site in previous years, indicating repeated use of the location.
• The team says the finding will underpin paternity testing, targeted protection of the New Caledonia habitat, artificial insemination research, rewilding initiatives.