In 2023, traditional fishers along India's Vashishti River encountered a rare gray body of a river shark tangled in their gill net, signaling an alarming threat to these forgotten fauna.

The Vashishti River, originating in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and flowing into the Arabian Sea, has long been home to diverse aquatic life. However, recent fishing incidents highlight increased risks for lesser-known species like river sharks and rays.

Historically, these species have faced minimal human interference due to their elusive nature. But as environmental pressures mount, including habitat degradation and overfishing, they are now at a higher risk of extinction.