INTERVIEW: Shark Week explores mystery of Pondicherry shark
Photo: Sharks of all kinds and varieties are the main draw during Shark Week. Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel / Provided by press site with permission.
Shark Week has returned to Discovery Channel, and one of the highlights this year is the special documentary Extinct or Alive: The Lost Shark with Forrest Galante.
On the hour-long documentary, which airs Wednesday, July 31 at 8 p.m., Galante searches for the elusive (and possibly extinct) Pondicherry shark. He heads to the far reaches of the Indian Ocean to talk with locals and also dive into the waters for any shred of evidence that this shark species may still be lurking in the depths. The last confirmed sighting was in the 1970s, but eyewitnesses have come forward with stories of seeing the shark species in recent years.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Galante about his time filming the special. Audiences will know him from his Extinct or Alive series and his appearance on Naked and Afraid. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What intrigues you about the story of the Pondicherry shark?
Like all things rare and fragile, the Pondicherry is magnificent based on its uniqueness. Combine that with the little known behavior, and the fact that its presence has almost earned it a mystical reputation, and you have one of the most fascinating species of shark on earth.
Without giving too much away, does this special find some interesting evidence?
Ohhhhhhh yeah it does. Just wait until you see it; it’s safe to say that it rewrites natural history as we know it.
When was the last time this shark was spotted?
Well, that is really up for debate as accurate identification is challenging. The last confirmed specimen was collected in the 1970s, but reports of other individuals have slowly trickled in up until quite recently.
Was there any danger from other sharks when searching for the Pondicherry?
Given that we are searching for a shark that likes shallow muddy waters, near to river mouths, we were in habitat that you constantly had to keep your eyes out. From tiger sharks to bull sharks to Saltwater crocs, to even having leopards nearby, it was a crazy predator-packed adventure!
Why was it important for you to talk with locals about their experiences?
The truth is, oftentimes locals that depend on the natural resources are the best observational scientists, and they don’t even know it. If you spend your life targeting an animal, in its habitat, you learn a lot about their behavior, and that was the case with the local fishermen in Sri Lanka. They may have been catching Pondicherry for years and have no idea of its scientific value.
Where does the ocean and its diverse species rank on your favorites in the animal kingdom? Better than the mountains?
Ohh … no comparison! The mountains have nothing on the ocean! For me it’s all about biodiversity, and in no environment can you witness so many stunning species in such a short time as you can spending time in the ocean.
Have you ever had a fear of sharks?
The only time I really have feared sharks is while spearfishing in very murky waters known to have high densities of great white sharks. To this day, when I dive in those locations/conditions, I still get a little spooked. But on a whole, no.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Extinct or Alive: The Lost Shark, part of Shark Week, will air Wednesday, July 31 at 8 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Click here for more information.
