Ecological Degradation and Habitat Suitability of Hemiscyllium halmahera in North Maluku

<ns5:p> Background The endemic walking shark <ns5:italic>Hemiscyllium halmahera</ns5:italic> inhabits shallow coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in North Maluku, Indonesia. As a recently described species with a restricted geographic range, it is highly vulnerable to habitat degradation driven by anthropogenic pressures including mining runoff, sedimentation, and coastal development. Methods This study evaluated the influence of ecological degradation on habitat suitability for <ns5:italic>H. halmahera</ns5:italic> using field-based habitat assessments and spatial analysis. Benthic surveys, sedimentation measurements, and GIS-based modelling were conducted across 12 sites subject to varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure. Habitat suitability was inferred from environmental parameters, including live coral cover, substratum rugosity, turbidity, and sedimentation rate, rather than from direct species occurrence data. Results The results indicated that areas characterized by low live coral cover (<30%), high sedimentation rates, and reduced structural complexity exhibited low habitat suitability. The highest suitability was identified at Lelei Island, southern Halmahera, and lagoonal areas near Maitara, where coral cover exceeded 30% and anthropogenic pressure was minimal. Logistic regression and Generalized Additive Models confirmed that live coral cover and rugosity were significant positive predictors of suitability, while proximity to mining sites had a negative effect. Conclusions These findings indicate that ongoing ecological degradation in North Maluku poses a substantial risk to habitats supporting <ns5:italic>H. halmahera.</ns5:italic> This study underscores the importance of habitat-based conservation strategies, including reef restoration, sediment control, and spatial management, to maintain ecological resilience in coastal ecosystems. The results establish a baseline for future ecological monitoring and conservation planning. Moreover, the strong association between habitat quality and suitability highlights the potential role of <ns5:italic>H. halmahera</ns5:italic> as a flagship species for community-based marine conservation and sustainable ecotourism development in North Maluku. Protecting this endemic shark and its critical habitats aligns with Indonesia’s national biodiversity framework and advances the broader goals of blue economy and coastal resource sustainability. </ns5:p>