Market surveys and social media provide confirmation of the endangered giant freshwater whipray Urogymnus polylepis in Myanmar. Issue 1 (6th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Grant, Michael I.; Bicknell, Anthony W. J.; Htut, Thaung; Maung, Antt; Maung, Thu; Myo Myo, Khin; Rein, Thu; San, Min Khan; White, William T.; Ya, Kyaw Zay; Mizrahi, Meira
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 101:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 302
• Page End: 307
• Publication Date: 2022-05-06
• Subjects: biodiversity -- Chin State -- Facebook -- non‐marine elasmobranchs -- Rakhine -- threatened species; Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

Abstract: The giant freshwater whipray Urogymnus polylepis is a threatened species that is vulnerable to riverine and coastal marine pressures. Despite its threatened status, the range of U . polylepis is still being determined. In this study, photographic evidence of U . polylepis in Myanmar was provided through market surveys (2017–2018) and social media (Sharks and Rays of Rakhine Facebook page, 2021). Urogymnus polylepis is exposed to fisheries and habitat degradation pressures in Myanmar; therefore, conservation management is likely needed to ensure populations persist into the future.