When we think of sharks, we imagine swift, powerful swimmers dominating the open seas.
Yet in the shallow reefs of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, there exists a group of sharks that seem to defy this image altogether.
Known as walking sharks, or more scientifically as Hemiscyllium sharks, these remarkable marine species have adapted to "walk" along the ocean floor — a movement so unusual that it raises a natural question:
Are they truly walking?
Scientists have been fascinated by these small, resilient sharks, whose fin-powered locomotion offers rare insights into evolutionary adaptation in sharks, survival in extreme environments, and the delicate interconnectedness of Coral Triangle biodiversity.
This article explores where they are found, how they move, and why their future depends heavily on regional conservation efforts across Southeast Asia.
Understanding Walking Sharks
Walking sharks belong to the genus Hemiscyllium, a group of benthic (bottom-dwelling) sharks commonly referred to as epaulette sharks or bamboo sharks.
These rare marine species, typically measuring less than one meter in length, are harmless to humans.
Their distinctive method of movement involves using their pectoral and pelvic fins to "walk" along the sea floor, reef flats, and even across exposed reef surfaces during low tides.
This adaptation allows them to thrive in shallow, oxygen-poor environments where traditional swimming predators struggle to survive.
| Epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) mrpbp |
Although the motion is not true walking in the terrestrial sense, in the underwater world, it represents an extraordinary example of evolutionary innovation among marine species.
Geographic Distribution: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
Indonesia: A Hotspot of Marine Biodiversity
Indonesia remains the global epicenter of walking shark diversity, hosting six of the nine known species of Hemiscyllium sharks.
These species, such as Hemiscyllium halmahera and Hemiscyllium galei, are endemic to key regions including Raja Ampat, Halmahera, Cenderawasih Bay, and the Aru Islands.
Indonesia’s role as a guardian of Coral Triangle biodiversity cannot be overstated.
Its extensive coral reef systems, among the richest on Earth, support not only walking sharks but a vast array of marine species critical to global ocean health.
The protection of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity, especially in remote archipelagos, remains vital to preserving these rare evolutionary adaptations.
Malaysia: Walking Sharks in Borneo’s Coral Reefs
In Malaysia, particularly within the waters surrounding Sabah, walking sharks have also been observed.
Malaysia’s coral reefs — especially around Semporna and Sipadan — offer habitats for several Hemiscyllium species whose ranges overlap with those in Indonesia.
Although no species are endemic solely to Malaysia, the country’s marine environments form part of a broader ecological corridor essential for sustaining shark populations and regional biodiversity.
The preservation of Malaysia’s coral reefs is thus crucial not only for walking sharks but for the health of numerous reef-dependent organisms across Southeast Asia.
The Philippines: Expanding the Range of Discovery
In the southern Philippines, particularly near Mindanao and surrounding islands, populations of walking sharks like Hemiscyllium freycineti have been documented.
These Philippine marine species inhabit shallow reef environments, highlighting the country's important role within the Coral Triangle.
While no walking shark species have yet been declared endemic to Philippine waters, ongoing marine biodiversity research suggests that undiscovered populations — or even new species — may exist in this biologically rich region.
Evolutionary Significance: Adaptations in Motion
Walking sharks offer living evidence of evolutionary adaptation in sharks.
Fossil records and genetic studies indicate that Hemiscyllium sharks diverged from their closest relatives approximately nine million years ago — a relatively recent chapter in shark evolution.
Their fin-assisted locomotion provides critical insights into how anatomical innovations can help species exploit new ecological niches, much as early vertebrates may have transitioned from aquatic to terrestrial environments.
Understanding these adaptations deepens our appreciation for the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity across marine ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Despite their remarkable adaptations, walking sharks remain highly vulnerable to environmental threats. Habitat degradation, coral reef loss, destructive fishing practices, and climate change pose significant risks to their survival.
Recognizing the importance of shark conservation, Indonesia took decisive action in 2023 by granting full legal protection to six species of walking sharks.
This measure, aimed at preserving Indonesia’s marine biodiversity, prohibits capture, trade, and exploitation of these unique species.
Malaysia and the Philippines, while not yet offering species-specific protections, are involved in broader marine conservation efforts that indirectly benefit walking sharks.
Expanding targeted protections in these countries would be an important step toward safeguarding rare marine species across Southeast Asia.
