Life stage-specific habitat use and trophic ecology of the critically endangered great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran)

The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List and is one of the most iconic shark species worldwide. Despite its emblematic status, there are major knowledge gaps regarding its habitat use and ecology—particularly during early life stages. In recent years, however, considerable advances have been made in our understanding of great hammerhead biology—especially in previously data-deficient regions such as the northern Indian Ocean and South Pacific Islands. Here, we review and reassess the literature on the habitat use and dietary ecology of S. mokarran, with specific consideration of these factors across the species’ life stages. This review provides new key insights into the species' habitat requirements, which are essential to assess its resilience to climate change. Emerging findings suggest that S. mokarran may have more limited dispersal capabilities than previously assumed, exhibiting restricted migratory behaviour and a stronger reliance on coastal or insular habitats. Moreover, recent research has begun to describe previously undocumented critical habitats, including mating, pupping, and nursery areas—vital for population recovery. Regional differences in habitat use and diet are becoming evident, highlighting the importance of region-specific assessments of vulnerability and population-level conservation strategies. In this context, some regions—such as the South-Central Pacific—may play a particularly important role in the species’ survival and thus merit increased research and conservation efforts.