Leonard J.V. Compagno, Ph.D., Director

Leonard is the world’s foremost expert on sharks and brings the depth and breadth of his experience to our organization as our Director.

He has authored more than 100 publications on sharks, including books, chapters in books, numerous scientific papers and a number of popular works on cartilaginous fishes. Leonard's extensive works include the following books:

• FAO Species Catalogue (a catalog of the sharks of the world) published by the United Nations.

• Sharks of the Order Carcharhiniformes.

• Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 1. Hexanchiformes to Lamniformes.

• Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Part 2. Carcharhiniformes.

• Sharks of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of shark species known to date. Vol. 2. Bullhead, mackerel, and carpet sharks (Heterodontiformes, Lamniformes and Orectolobiformes).

• A Field Guide to the Sharks of the World. (The first ever field guide to sharks.)

• Guide to the Sharks and Rays of Southern Africa.