Zanzibar – Moonlion Safaris

Artist's impression of One of the newly discovered sixgilled sawshark species (Pliotrema kajae). Copyright: Simon Weigmann,

Not one but TWO new species of Sawsharks discovered in Zanzibar and Madagascar

Published on April 18, 2020April 17, 2020 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Discovering a species in the 21^st century is exciting but to discover two new species is super-exciting.

By Rupi Mangat

Above: Artist’s impression of One of the newly discovered sixgilled sawshark species (Pliotrema kajae). Copyright: Simon Weigmann,

Published: The East African Nation media 11-17 April 2020

These bottom dwelling sharks support long saw-like snouts called rostrums with which they stun, rip and eat their prey. They are so new to science that they have never been photographed in the ocean!

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Groundbreaking Research Dolphins and Whales in Tanzanian Waters

Published on November 2, 2019 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

From the archives: February 2015

Above: Spinner Dolphin on the Tanzania Indian Ocean. Copyright Gill Braulik

Published in The East African Nation Media 27 Feb 2015

It’s exciting talking to Dr Gill Braulik who for the last 18 years has been following dolphins and whales around the Indian Ocean. In a few days time, she will set sail for six weeks in a catamaran with her team of seven scientists – all females in the top echelon – to survey the Tanzanian coastline for dolphins and whales – 3000 kilometers with a few more added in for the islands of Pemba and Mafia. It’s the first time that such a survey is being carried out in Tanzanian waters.

Dr Gill Braulik on Misali island in the Pemba Channel Tanzainia. Copyright Rupi Mangat (640x800) — Dr Gill Braulik on Misali island in the Pemba Channel Tanzania. Copyright Rupi Mangat

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