Many people quote Big 5 in South Africa as symbolic wildlife, but few people recognize that this country is the home of Mantalay, the world's largest rays. These intellectual species that filter the Filder Animal Plankton play an important role in ocean health. The gentle giant has the potential to promote tourism revenues, but it is necessary to do more to protect these extinct ED species from a sustainable fishery.
A national joint research by marine biologists revealed some of the mysteries of the Manta Raise in South Africa announced this month. “Most South Africans are not aware that they can see the mantais without leaving the country,” said Dr. Michelker Penter, a co -worker of the Marine Mega Fauna Foundation (MMF), Cranstal Conser Bansy, and Mantatlast. I will explain. “We are the home of Leaf Manta (Mobra Alfredadedy) and the Ocean Manta (Mobra Byrostris), and the latter reaches an impressive 8 -meter wing tip and becomes the world's largest rays.”
Unfortunately, human impacts have a significant decrease in the population, which is the most threatened population in the world. Listing on the IUCN Red List indicates that this species is globally threatened. Torol, tuna wallet Seine network, Mozambique gill network, South African shark network, and oil company's earthquake tests are all threats to this vulnerable population.
Dr. Carpenter cooperated with many dedicated marine biologists in this study. Among them are Dr. Ryan Derry (Marine Research Institute), Nakia Clain (MMF), Dr. Andrea Marshall (MMF), Vivienne Dams (Southern Laboratory for Aquatic Biodiversity), Charles.・ Dr. Griffith (UCT), Grant Smith (shark), Grant Smith, and Dr. Mat Dicken (Nelson Mandela University).
The marine mantais has a wide range of offshore distribution, but the leaf manta is more coastal. This research has revealed the unique features of South Africa's manta, including highly mobile leaf manta, rare black marine manta, new feeding agreement, and potential baby mantae nursery schools.
Discovered in Ishimangariso Wetland Park
At Ishimangariso Wetland Park in northern KZN, researchers have discovered Mantalay in the ocean sanctuary protected by fishing and recreation diving for over 50 years. Here, 89 % of the witnesses of the South African coral reef manta are recorded, and Mantas removes parasites with beautiful fish.
“This set area in the restricted access sanctuary is a heavenly threat along the coastline,” says Nakia Corain, the Marine Mega Fauna Foundation (MMF). “The entire park has recently been named Mission Blue Hope Spots and participated in a network along the South Africa coast, including Aliwal Shawl and Cape Town.”
CULLAIN is an effective marine protection that provides valuable models in countries, such as Mozambique, which lacks the widespread marine protection, as well as the sanctuary of South Africa. It emphasizes that it can be supported.
Manta connection and movement
Research in other regions such as Ishimangariso Wetland Park and Aliwal Shawl shows important connections to Mozambique. Some important surveys are as follows:
One mantaver moved Zavora, Mozambique, and Isimangaliso multiple times. Another person has moved more than 600 km from Pondland MPA to Ishimangariso. The boy seen at Pondland MPA in 2016 was then suppressed as a pregnant adult in Ishimangariso. The two Mantas traveled between Zavora and ISIMANGALISO repeatedly (870 km round trip). The 28 manta was identified in Mozambique and the most linked to Zabora.
“These movements are temporary along the coastline, and are potentially promoted by the possibility of the abundance of animal plankton with seasonal patterns,” explains Dr. Carpenter. “Manta has been formally documented in South Africa since the 1950s, but changes in movement are related to climate change, and the rise in water temperature affects the flow and the possibility of the use of food.”
Dr. Ryan Daily, a specialist in sharks and Ray's movements, emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts across borders.
Unusual melanism manta
In South Africa, the ocean manta is rare, and witnesses are concentrated on Barito, Aliwal Shall MPA, and Pondland MPA. Researchers were even more excited to discover rare melanistic (black) marine manta, in the Aliwal Shawl MPA (February 2020) and Barit (November 2021).
“It was previously unknown that Melanism's Marine Mantas lived in these waters,” said Dr. Carpentent. “Heredity research suggests a different group group, but the difference in melanism may promote gene flows promoted by long -distance travel and have led to localization. We love these melanism mantaons to contribute to the beautiful “Rainbow” country in South Africa! “
Protect the giant of South Africa's Miss Teleus Us
Despite its ecological importance, Mantas faces a threat of fisheries, earthquake tests, and climate change. The joint research, such as Ishimangariso Wetland Park, and the effective marine reserve, provide their hope for their future.
Dr. Carpenter concludes: “There is no lack of work related to sharks and light rays along the South African coastline. It is recommended that South Africans and international students will be eager to create a difference in participating in us. It is very difficult. It's a job, but it's very rewarding.
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