Manta Ray Info
How do manta rays eat?
They are filter feeders
What is gene flow?
The transfer of genetic material from one population to another via migration.
What factors could affect genetic diversity in Manta Rays?
Population size, Mutation rates, Reproductive strategies, Bottlenecks, natural selection, Migration rates.
What genetic technique can be used to non-invasively monitor Manta Rays in MPAs?
Environmental DNA (eDNA) can identify the presence, distribution, and habitat use of threatened species without needing to see or catch them.
What is the distribution of Manta Rays?
Found in tropical areas and occasionally in warm temperate area.
What are the consequences of limited gene flow?
Inbreeding depression, less resilience to disease, higher risk of extinction, less likely to adapt to a changing environment.
What genetic markers can be used to identify genetic diversity in a species?
SNPs, mtDNA, Microsatellites, RFLP, RAPD, AFLP, SSCP, protein analysis
What are the challenges to managing mobile marine species like the manta ray?
They have larger ranges, making them vulnerable to many different threats across different jurisdictions.
What is the IUCN status of manta rays?
Endangered
Is there a large amount of gene flow occurring between manta rays at a global scale?
No, they are showing more local and nationalized gene flow leading to regional sub-populations. Manta rays are showing high site fidelity and restricted movement patterns. With the increased isolation between habits, their genetic diversity will continue to decrease
How can policy makers use genetic diversity data to conserve manta ray populations?
They can identify conservation units, do assisted gene flow and migrations, protect populations that have a lot of genetic variation, monitor fisheries, and enforce protective laws.
Why is genetic data important to consider when making policy about endangered species?
Genetics can identify between species and subspecies to determine if they qualify for legal protections. It can identify inbreeding and populations with low genetic diversity which need managers to assist in gene flow. It can track illegal trade to identify poaching sites.
What is the biggest threat to manta ray populations?
They are targeted and caught in fisheries
SNPs can be used to identify connectivity and isolated populations in manta rays. How could this be used for fisheries management and policy makers?
To help identify certain corridors between isolated populations which would allow management to know which areas to protect to enable better gene flow.
Manta Rays in Indonesia have high haplotype diversity but low nucleotide diversity. What does this mean?
A recent population expansion from a small, restricted group, or a rapid recovery after a bottleneck
What current treaties and management policies are manta rays currently under?
Endangered Species Act, The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), MPAs.