The so-called "nursery" would be the first breeding site for
smooth hammerheads, or Sphyrna zygaena, in the Galapagos if
confirmed, the park said.
The smooth hammerhead is one of nine known species of hammerhead
shark. It is considered "vulnerable" on the International Union
for Conservation of Nature's list of threatened species.
Scientists on a Greenpeace expedition toured the Galapagos
Marine Reserve several weeks ago, spotting a young female
hammerhead off of Isabela Island, the Galapagos' largest island,
and tagging her.
Researchers will continue to monitor the shark to confirm that
she was in a breeding area.
The Galapagos Islands with its unique wildlife was critical to
British scientist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It is
home to many species not found elsewhere such as giant
tortoises, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas.
Many are also in danger of extinction.
(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Kylie Madry;
Editing by Josie Kao)
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