Richness distribution patterns of marine elasmobranchs in Colombia

A study on marine elasmobranchs in Colombia reveals significant regional variation in species richness, with the Caribbean coast showing higher diversity compared to the Pacific. The analysis documented 138 species, including 76 sharks and 62 batoids, with 20 species common to both coasts. Notably, the Pacific islands of Gorgona and Malpelo exhibited the highest richness per spatial unit, though completeness estimates suggest ongoing gaps in inventory. Richness estimators indicated that current documentation is incomplete, highlighting the need for further exploration. These findings underscore the importance of targeted conservation efforts, particularly within marine protected areas like the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, to safeguard this ecologically vital group.

Ágreda-Arango, J., Ballesteros, C., Bessudo, S., Bent-Hooker, H., Bolaños, N., Caldas, J. P., Duarte, L. O., Gómez, F., Lara, G., Loaiza, J., Mejía-Falla, P. A., Velandia, M., & Navia, A. F. (2022). Richness distribution patterns of marine elasmobranchs in Colombia. Revista de Biología Marina Y Oceanografía, 57(Especial). https://doi.org/10.22370/rbmo.2022.57.especial.3177