Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark (H. freycineti) is a walking shark species endemic to Raja Ampat. Although its conservation status is still classified as Near Threatened on IUCN red species list, the population of Kalabia is believed to be declining based on anecdotal reports in the last 5 years due to habitat degradation.  

The species is locally known as Kalabia. It is fully protected (Ministerial Decree of KP No. 30 of 2023) and is included as a priority fish species for conservation by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) in 2023-2024. However, this species is thought to still face various types of threats. The lack of specific and accurate information regarding the ecology and threats to Kalabia can lead to further population decline, if effective management is not implemented.

The project is a species-spefic study of the population, distribution, and threats to Kalabia in two locations: Arborek Village and Yenbuba Village.

Article

• From Gaps to Discoveries: The Raja Ampat Epaulette Shark Research - Maula Nadia and Faqih Akbar Alghozali [Link]
• Raja Ampat and Their Endemic Shark Species - Muhammad Wiralaga [Link]