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Acoustic Tracking of Endangered Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark in Derawan Islands

Project Leader

Abam Sianipar project leader of Indo-Pacific leopard shark acoustic tracking research at Elasmobranch Institute IndonesiaAbam Sianipar

This project is the first acoustic tracking study of Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks in the Derawan Islands. By monitoring shark movements and engaging local communities, it supports marine protection, sustainable tourism, and long-term conservation of endangered species in Indonesia.

Partnership

Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia

Year

2025 - 2026

Location

Indonesia

Tracking the Last Leopard Sharks in Derawan

The Acoustic Tracking of Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark in Derawan Islands project focuses on monitoring one of Indonesia’s last viable populations of this critically endangered species (Stegostoma tigrinum). The project will utilize passive acoustic telemetry to track the residency and movements of Leopard Sharks at key aggregation sites in Maratua Island and Karang Muaras. This preliminary study will be the first ever passive acoustic monitoring network for the species in Derawan, providing fine-scale movement patterns and habitat connectivity of these sharks. The findings will directly inform zoning and management of the Derawan Marine Protected Area, supporting sustainable marine tourism and conservation.
Marine researchers Abam and Edy scuba diving during endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark acoustic tracking study in Derawan Islands Indonesia
Abam Sianipar project leader of Indo-Pacific leopard shark acoustic tracking research at Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia

PROJECT LEADER

Abam Sianipar

Abraham “Abam” Sianipar is the Executive Director of Elasmobranch Institute Indonesia, an NGO dedicated to advancing research and conservation of sharks and rays, and fostering the next generation of Indonesian marine scientists. He has led multiple elasmobranch research in Indonesia, focusing on movement ecology, habitat protection, and community-based conservation. With a background in marine science and extensive experience in field research, he works closely with government agencies, tourism operators, and local communities to integrate scientific data into marine protected area management. He currently serves as a ReShark Council member and Steering Committee of StAR Project.
  • Endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark resting on coral reef floor in Derawan Islands Indonesia
  • Reef manta ray swimming over coral reef ecosystem in Derawan Islands during marine conservation research
  • Pelagic thresher shark swimming over coral reef in Maratua Derawan Islands Indonesia

Building Knowledge and Community for Conservation

Beyond species-specific research, the project lays the groundwork for long-term elasmobranch monitoring in Derawan, covering other threatened species like pelagic thresher sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. It will also engage Indonesian students, interns, and local communities in research and conservation. Outputs include preliminary movement data, a tourism code of conduct, and scientific-based recommendations for the MPA authority. Longer-term outcomes are improved management, baseline population data, and peer-reviewed publications, strengthening national and regional conservation strategies.
Endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark resting on coral reef floor in Derawan Islands Indonesia

Project Gallery

Collection of images collected on this project thanks to the help of our wonderful contributors
  • Scuba diver swimming through school of barracuda fish during leopard shark research in Derawan Islands Indonesia
  • Healthy coral reef ecosystem with tropical fish school in Maratua Derawan Islands marine protected area
  • Scuba diver exploring coral reef ecosystem in Maratua Derawan Islands during marine conservation survey
  • Vibrant coral reef with soft corals and tropical fish in Maratua Derawan Islands conservation area
  • Indo-Pacific leopard shark with satellite tracking tag on coral reef during acoustic monitoring research in Derawan Islands
  • Endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark with visible spots and satellite tag resting on coral reef in Derawan Islands
  • Endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark swimming over sandy ocean floor in Derawan Islands Indonesia marine conservation area
  • Underwater view of ocean surface and coral reef during leopard shark research in Derawan Islands Indonesia
  • Endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark swimming over shallow coral reef in Derawan Islands marine conservation area

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