Introduction

The Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery Project (StAR Project) is a global rewilding initiative dedicated to restoring populations of the Indo-Pacific leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) across parts of its range where the species has disappeared or declined sharply due to overfishing and habitat degradation.

Following a pivotal 2019 workshop hosted by Georgia Aquarium, the StAR Project was officially launched in 2020. It became the world’s first conservation translocation program for an elasmobranch species, uniting global expertise in captive breeding, genetics, husbandry, and population recovery.

Rewilding Process

The StAR Project integrates ex situ and in situ conservation under the IUCN’s One Plan Approach, and follows the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s guidelines for the use of ex situ management in species recovery. All animals selected for breeding undergo rigorous screening for genetic provenance and reproductive viability to support the long-term health and sustainability of wild populations.

Viable eggs and pups from approved breeding institutions are translocated to in situ facilities, where they are carefully hatched, raised, and monitored by local aquarist teams. Once the sharks reach appropriate size and condition, they are tagged and released into protected natural habitats.

Comprehensive post-release monitoring programs track the movements, survival, and habitat use of reintroduced sharks. These efforts combine satellite and acoustic telemetry with citizen science initiatives, providing critical data to assess adaptation and inform rewilding success.

Outreach and Research

Through local education and outreach programs, the StAR Project actively engages and empowers local communities. Initiatives include internships, school partnerships, nursery tours, and food collection programs, all designed to foster awareness, build local capacity, and cultivate long-term stewardship of shark populations and their habitats.

Long-term research on healthy Indo-Pacific leopard shark populations in regions such as Australia and New Caledonia provides essential insights into the species’ health, behavior, and ecology. Ongoing collaborations with post-graduate researchers examining nutrition, habitat use, and other ecological factors help refine StAR Project methodologies and strengthen conservation outcomes.

What began as a bold idea has evolved into a multi-country collaboration involving aquariums, NGOs, scientists, governments, and local communities. The StAR Project is redefining what is possible for shark conservation and serves as a scalable model for the rewilding of other threatened shark and ray species.