Diagnosing the dangerous demography of manta rays using life history theory.

摘要: Background: The directed harvest and global trade in the gill plates of mantas, devil rays, has led to increased fishing pressure steep population declines some locations. slow life history, particularly manta is cited as a key reason why such species have little capacity withstand fisheries. Here, we place their history demography within context other sharks rays. Methods: Despite limited availability data, use theory comparative analysis estimate intrinsic risk extinction (as indexed by maximum rate increase r(max)) for typical generic ray using variant classic Euler-Lotka demographic model. This model requires only three traits calculate growth r(max): von Bertalanffy rate, annual pup production age at maturity. To account uncertainty parameters, created plausible parameter ranges propagate these uncertainties through distribution range rmax values. Results. most sensitive length reproductive cycle, median 0.116 year(-1) 95th percentile [0.089-0.139] one lowest known 106 rays which comparable information. Discussion: In common with unprotected, unmanaged, high-value largebodied combination very low rates combined high value rakers international nature trade, highly likely lead rapid depletion potential local unless conservation management response occurs worldwide. Furthermore, show that it possible derive important insights into data-poor well-established theory.