Contrasting habitat use and population dynamics of reef manta rays within the Nusa Penida marine protected area, Indonesia

摘要: Manta rays (Mobula spp.) are highly valued in nature-based tourism globally. In Indonesia, although manta protected, critical information is lacking on their habitat use, population dynamics and movements. We investigate the structure residency patterns of reef alfredi) Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA). From photo-identification data logged by citizen scientists trained observers (mantamatcher.org), we identified 624 from 5,913 sightings (January 2012-April 2018) based unique ventral coloration patterns. Year-round records were collected two shallow (< 20 m) reefs- Bay (MB; n = 3,029 sightings) Point (MP; 3,058)- that used frequently operators. Maximum likelihood techniques a Markov movement analysis to model between these sites within MPA. at MB predominantly male (64%, 261 individuals), with immature males (14%, 59) being sighted most (39%, 1,170). contrast, few individuals MP (6%, 28), they sighed occasions (2%, 45), while mature female comprised 26% (n 127) community (48%, 1,413). Lagged Identification Rates indicated high site fidelity each location. However, 44% 278) moved cumulative discovery curves showed continued recruitment over 6 years study. addition, behaviors displayed differed markedly sites: appears be foraging ground, especially for juveniles, potentially nursery, mainly cleaning courtship, indicating social reproductive site. Reproductive behavior coincided peak annual May. To prevent disturbance this threatened species tourism, regulations number vessels interactions, during key times should considered. Further, strict fishing regulation area recommended as gear entanglement was threat population.