Internet trade of a previously unknown wildlife product from a critically endangered marine fish

Abstract

Online research methods are increasingly used in conservation science to monitor and collect data on online wildlife trade. Shark‐like rays (Rhinopristiformes) are among the most threatened vertebrates, prized for their high‐value fins while other uses for their derivatives are largely unrecognized in the literature. The bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) is characterized by ridges of enlarged thorns, sometimes sold as amulets. Listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II, the thorn‐market has been ignored and undocumented. Using systematic, retrospective online searches, we recorded 977 bowmouth‐derivatives for sale. In our global and multi‐lingual scope, 97% of products were offered from Thailand, despite prohibited trade. 98% of all products were thorns (USD3‐300) and sold alongside high‐profile CITES‐listed taxa (e.g., tiger claws). Consistent advertisements from 2012 revealed a previously unquantified trade of an often‐neglected marketplace in elasmobranch research. Our findings offer insight into the drivers of the thorn trade, potentially rooted in cultural beliefs. Our accessible research methods can be applied internationally and across species, providing quantitative and qualitative insights on aspects of the wildlife trade of a critically endangered fish. Continued monitoring of online markets, like this study, is necessary to fill critical gaps for informed policy and species‐specific management.

Population structure and genetic diversity of the Critically Endangered bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) in the Northwest Indian Ocean

“…Guitarfish and wedgefish are notoriously neglected in conservation management (D’Alberto, 2022; Kyne et al, 2019; Pytka et al, 2023). While some local and national fisheries management measures can provide indirect benefits, there are few species-specific measures in place.…”

“…Guitarfish and wedgefish are among the most vulnerable and understudied groups of elasmobranchs (Dulvy et al, 2014; Kyne et al, 2020; Moore, 2017; Pytka et al, 2023). Their mostly coastal and in-shore habitat overlaps with much of the world’s most intensive fishing activities making them highly susceptible to bycatch (Jabado, 2018; White et al, 2013; Pytka et al 2023), while international demand for their sought-after fins and thorns drive targeted exploitation (Clarke et al, 2006; Pytka et al, 2023). Consequently, ‘shark-like rays’ have been listed on Appendix II of CITES which seeks to regulate commercial trade, including of their derivative products.…”

Annual Recurrence of the Critically Endangered Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) in Djibouti Waters

“…The fins of R. ancylostomus can fetch up to USD 964/kg on the international market. In addition, recent findings show that R. ancylostomus are harvested for their thorns, which are believed to carry protective powers in Thailand [5]. Wedgefishes, together with sawfishes and guitarfishes, have been identified as being among the most endangered marine vertebrates, and evidence of severe declines and localized extinctions has been reported [3,6].…”