The elasmobranchs of Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Colombia

A comprehensive survey of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) in the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, Colombia, reveals 34 species, including five new shark records and three new ray records. Conducted between 1987 and 2021 using SCUBA diving, manned submersibles, and deep-ocean cameras down to 2211 meters, the study highlights that 64% of these species are threatened according to IUCN standards. This underscores Malpelo's critical role as a conservation stronghold for highly endangered marine fauna, providing essential baselines for monitoring and protection efforts in this unique marine-protected area.

Bessudo, S., Ladino, F., Becerril‐García, E. E., Shepard, C. M., Salinas‐De‐León, P., & Hoyos‐Padilla, E. M. (2021). The elasmobranchs of Malpelo Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Colombia. Journal of Fish Biology, 99(5), 1769–1774. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14874