Global News - July 2008

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New species of manta ray identified

Fri 25 July 2008 14:00 UK — Africa,Marine Wildlife

Scientists have revealed that they have identified a new species of manta ray.

The Telegraph has reported that Dr Andrea Marshall spent five years working with rays and found that the larger and more elusive fish were actually an entirely new species.

Previously, it was believed that only one species of manta ray existed.

The researchers said that the new species differ from known rays as they were migratory rather than residential.

After careful analysis, using genetic and morphological techniques, the team were able to prove that the larger rays - which can weigh up to 2,000 kilograms - were distinct from their smaller cousins.

The paper added: "The discovery of a new species is likely to affect conservation ideas and policies about rays."

It explained that the migratory lifestyle of the new rays made conservation more difficult.

"Many fall victim to ghost nets and are killed alongside other marine creatures as by-catch. Rays are also threatened by habitat degradation, boat traffic and disturbance by divers," the paper concluded.

Another researcher, Dr Kathy Townsend, recently revealed that surprisingly little was known about manta rays.

"Basic information about their population, lifespan, migrations and breeding information remains unknown," she said.

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