Notes on the presence of Manta alfredi in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines

A new record of the reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) has been documented within the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), Philippines, challenging previous assumptions that only oceanic manta rays (M. birostris) inhabited the site. Analysis of 33 photographs from the Tubbataha Management Office database revealed that 32 individuals were M. alfredi, identified by distinctive black marks posterolateral to the last gill slits and between rows of gill slits. Expert validation confirmed these findings, marking the first documented presence of M. alfredi in both the TRNP and the Philippines. This discovery underscores the need for updated conservation policies to account for both manta ray species' ecological significance. The study also recommends further research on population dynamics, structure, and abundance, while advocating for international collaboration to enhance global understanding of these species.

Aquino, Ma. T. R., Songco, A. M., & Alarcon, R. C. (2015). Notes on the presence of Manta alfredi in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 7(1), 7–11. https://doi.org/10.69721/tps.j.2015.7.1.01