Insight into capture-induced parturition events from three species of rays
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6639Keywords:
batoids, Central America, conservation, monitoring protocols, premature birth, stress responseAbstract
Introduction: Elasmobranchs are extremely delicate animals, thus, their manipulation implies great care to avoid excess of physical trauma and stress. In gravid females, their capture can trigger induced parturition, and considered as abortions since their survival rate has not been assessed. Objective: To document and describe capture-induced parturition events in rays during monitoring efforts in El Jobo, on the north Pacific of Costa Rica. Methods: In 2022 and 2024, three capture-induced parturition events were documented for three species of rays in El Jobo, located in the north Pacific of Costa Rica. Pregnant females were captured with hand nets while snorkeling, placed on the shore to record morphological data, and released shortly after. Results: Three capture-induced parturition events were recorded in Urobatis pardalis, Urotrygon rogersi, and in Gymnura crebripunctata. Pups’ sizes suggest that all were in the last stage of their gestation development. Unlike most reports, all females and pups were released in apparent excellent condition, representing rarely documented cases in which both females and premature offspring survive after stress-related parturition. Conclusion: These findings suggest that rapid release along a minimal handling procedure may enhance the survival of premature pups within a certain gestation development
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