In the south of Mozambique, when the austral summer is in full swing, a fascinating spectacle unfolds: bull sharks gather in the warm, fish-rich waters of Ponta do Ouro. For over ten years, scientists have been scrutinizing their behaviors, unveiling the wonders of this biodiversity hotspot with every dive.
The adventure begins: guaranteed thrills
At dawn, when the ocean is still shrouded in darkness, a rigid-hulled inflatable boat energetically cuts through the waves. The experienced skipper, trained in South Africa, skillfully maneuvers to overcome the towering waves, sometimes reaching three meters high. The crew, about ten passionate divers, holds on tightly. Once the swell is tamed, calm resumes, and the boat heads north for about twenty minutes.
Pinnacles: an exceptional site for bull sharks
Pinnacles, located in the south of Mozambique, attracts divers from around the world, all eager to admire the local star: the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas). The area surrounding the partial marine reserve of Ponta do Ouro is one of the few places where it is possible to observe this mythical shark in its natural environment, without artifices such as feeding or baiting. It is not uncommon to encounter several individuals at once. Massive, with its short snout, this shark measures between 2 and 3 meters. Considered as one of the most potentially aggressive tropical sharks, it is really described by those who know it well as curious but cautious.
An omnivorous predator, the bull shark feeds on a wide variety of prey: fish, turtles, squids, mammals, and even other species of sharks. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of coastal marine populations. Its ability to thrive both at sea and in the brackish waters of estuaries, and even to swim up rivers, has earned it the nickname « Zambezi shark ».
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