Whale Shark:
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Whale Shark(Rhincodon typus) is the largest known extant fish species.
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Features: Whale Sharks are a ‘filter feeder shark’ which means it does not eat meat like other sharks. They filter seawater and feed on tiny planktons.
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Habitat: The whale shark is found in open waters of the tropical oceans and is rarely found in water below 21 °C (70 °F). In India, they are mostly found in the Gulf of Mannar and Gujarat coast.
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Conservation Status:
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IUCN Red List: Endangered
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CITES: Appendix II
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Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
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Threats:
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Oil & gas drilling, shipping lanes
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Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
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