wingfin stingray
National Parks/ Sanctuaries
-
Common Names
wingfin stingray
Regions
BrazilGuyanaSuriname
Population
8,000
Habitat
Freshwater rivers with sandy or muddy substrates, preferring slow-moving or stagnant waters
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
typically weighing b... and Not precisely known but is estimated to be several years
Regions
Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
The Wingfin Stingray (Fontitrygon geijskesi) is a freshwater ray species facing extinction that occurs in the Western Central and Southwest Atlantic from eastern Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago to western Ceará, Brazil. Its population is unknown, but it is believed to be in decline due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and dam construction that disrupts its migratory routes. Unsustainable fishing practices, particularly the use of fine-meshed nets, pose a significant threat to their survival. Conservation efforts involve regulating fishing practices, protecting critical habitats, and raising awareness about their conservation status.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
