Gulper sharks are found worldwide living in waters at least 200 meters (650 feet) deep. Andy Murch/Nature Picture Library

With their bright green eyes and slender bodies, gulper sharks are odd-looking, prehistoric creatures that have been around for millions of years. Found worldwide in waters from 200 to 1,500 meters (650 to 4,900 feet) deep, much about them remains a mystery.

But now, they face a crisis. Three quarters of gulper shark species are threatened with extinction , targeted for their liver oil, which is particularly rich in a chemical compound known as squalene, commonly used in cosmetics for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), shark liver oil has been found in a wide range of products from makeup,

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