Reef Manta Rays Are in Decline Globally – but New Research Finds One Place in Indonesia Where These Charismatic Rays Are Thriving, by Edy Setyawan*
Raja Ampat archipelago in West Papua is home to Indonesia’s largest population of reef manta rays, Mobula alfredi. They are not mammals, but cartilaginous fish that are related to sharks. This species is characterized by late maturation and extremely low fertility, which make their populations especially vulnerable. Males start to sexually mature at 9 to 13 years old, while females require 13... Read More →
