Rapid wound healing in a reef manta ray masks the extent of vessel strike

A reef manta ray's rapid wound healing, documented over nearly three years, reveals that lacerations from vessel strikes can close to 95% within 295 days, leaving distinctive scars. This finding challenges prior assumptions about the cause of such scars, which were often attributed to failed predation attempts. Researchers analyzed an extensive photo-identification catalogue from the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, demonstrating that propeller-induced scarring is more common than previously recognized. The study provides critical baseline data on wound healing rates in manta rays and suggests increased vessel strikes in this region, with implications for spatial and behavioral management strategies to mitigate future conflicts.

McGregor, F., Richardson, A. J., Armstrong, A. J., Armstrong, A. O., & Dudgeon, C. L. (2019). Rapid wound healing in a reef manta ray masks the extent of vessel strike. Plos One, 14(12), e0225681. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225681