Collaborative methods identify a remote global diversity hotspot of threatened, large‐bodied rhino rays

The Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area and adjacent Exmouth Gulf emerge as a critical global refuge for threatened large-bodied rhino rays, including all four species of sawfish found in Australia. This discovery stems from an analysis of 2,343 records, compiled through collaborative methods involving commercial fishing reports (35%), citizen science initiatives (34%), targeted scientific surveys (30%), and published literature (1%). The region supports diverse ray species at various life stages, with green sawfish being the most frequently encountered. Notably, the Exmouth Gulf serves as a significant pupping area for this species. The study underscores the importance of integrating multiple data sources to identify and protect such biodiversity hotspots, providing essential insights for conservation strategies and global initiatives.

Bateman, R. L., Morgan, D. L., Wueringer, B. E., McDavitt, M., & Lear, K. O. (2024). Collaborative methods identify a remote global diversity hotspot of threatened, large‐bodied rhino rays. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 34(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.4047