Observational data on the reproductive condition of female Oceania fantail rays, Taeniura lessoni, from Drawaqa Island, Fiji

Glaus, Kerstin and Vierus, Tom and macfarlane, Robert (2024) Observational data on the reproductive condition of female Oceania fantail rays, Taeniura lessoni, from Drawaqa Island, Fiji. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11 (2024). pp. 1-7. ISSN 2296-7745

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Abstract

Data on the reproductive biology of elasmobranchs are essential for
understanding their life history. Published studies on batoid ray reproductive
biology are comparatively scarce, leading to limited understanding and data
gaps. The Oceania fantail ray, Taeniura lessoni, is a good example. This Data
Deficient nearshore stingray is restricted to Melanesia, with lacking biological and
ecological data, including reproduction. To expand upon the limited life-history
data for this species, this short paper provides observational data on the
reproductive condition in female T. lessoni, at Drawaqa Island, Fiji. Field work
involved direct observations and ocean temperature measurements. Over 40
days spanning three months, 105 surveys were conducted across five sites,
resulting in 71 sightings of the species. Based on spot patterns and body
markings, four female individuals were identified. Between January and March
2024, these females exhibited convex dorsa indicating advanced gestation,
transitioning to concave dorsa suggesting parturition. The presence of
neonates from early March onwards coincided with the estimated parturition
period inferred from the rays' condition. Furthermore, a female previously
pregnant was photographed with a dermal abrasion around her pectoral fin,
possibly indicating pre-copulatory biting, suggesting a continuous reproductive
cycle. The average monthly water temperature at the surveyed sites remained
relatively stable throughout the study. Collectively, our findings suggest that
Drawaqa Island provides suitable habitat niches for reproductive activities in
female T. lessoni. Repeated and long-term data is certainly needed to confirm
either a continuous reproductive cycle or seasonal peaks. While preliminary, our
observational data represents the first documentation on female reproductive
condition in a stingray in Fiji.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	batoids, reproductive biology, Melanesia, data deficient species, range restricted, Dasyatidae
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GC Oceanography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Nirma Narayan
Date Deposited:	15 Jan 2025 03:26
Last Modified:	15 Jan 2025 03:26
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14758

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