Marco Garofalo

Dr. Marco Garofalo


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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13 February 2025 in Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GUIA CONSALESGUIA CONSALES
GUIA CONSALES
TCTommaso Campani
Tommaso Campani
Agata Di NoiAgata Di Noi
Agata Di Noi
MGMarco Garofalo
Marco Garofalo
EMEduardo Di Marcantonio
Eduardo Di Marcantonio
Primo MicarelliPrimo Micarelli
Primo Micarelli
The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), a keystone predator vital to marine ecosystem stability, is increasingly exposed to anthropogenic threats, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This study highlights the use of non-invasive epidermal biopsies to assess physiological and ecological parameters in 28 live specimens sampled from the Dyer Island Nature Reserve, South Africa. Epidermal tissue was analyzed for vitellogenin (Vtg), a biomarker of estrogenic exposure, while dermal tissue was used for stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen, essential for understanding the feeding habitat of white sharks. Vitellogenin, typically restricted to sexually mature females, was unexpectedly detected in males and immature females, indicating significant exposure to estrogenic pollutants. This finding raises concerns about the potential reproductive and population-level impacts on this vulnerable species. Stable isotope analyses confirmed that dermal tissue alone is sufficient for trophic studies, eliminating the need for deeper muscle sampling. By demonstrating that epidermal and dermal tissues provide critical data for both biomarkers and isotopic studies, this research supports the adoption of minimally invasive techniques. Shallower biopsies reduce stress on the animals, making this method a valuable tool for conservation research and management of C. carcharias.