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The Mascarene Archipelago, a Data-Poor Region for Mobulid Rays: First Records, Seasonal Patterns and Conservation
Joanna L Harris1,2, Estelle Crochelet3, Prashant Mohesh4
1The Manta Trust Dorset UK.
Ecology and Evolution
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Manta and devil rays (mobulids) in the Mascarene Archipelago are documented for the first time using citizen science. This study reveals seasonal mobulid occurrences and highlights the region
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ichthyology
- Conservation Science
Background:
- Manta and devil rays (mobulids) distribution and seasonal occurrence are poorly understood in the Western Indian Ocean, especially around island systems.
- The Mascarene Archipelago (La Réunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues) is a data-poor region concerning mobulid populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize mobulid records in the Mascarene Archipelago using citizen science data.
- To determine the species-level distribution and seasonal occurrence of mobulids in the region.
- To provide baseline data for conservation planning for mobulids in the Western Indian Ocean.
Main Methods:
- Collected and synthesized direct and passive citizen-science observations of mobulids between 2014 and 2026.
- Documented 107 sightings across 75 events, identifying species including Mobula birostris, M. thurstoni, M. alfredi, and M. tarapacana.
- Analyzed sighting data for spatial and temporal patterns, including re-sightings and seasonal occurrence.
Main Results:
- A total of 107 mobulid sightings were recorded, with Mobula thurstoni and Mobula birostris being the most frequently observed.
- Sightings were concentrated along the west-south-west coast of La Réunion (90%), with fewer records in Mauritius and none in Rodrigues.
- Confirmed the first records of Mobula birostris in Mauritian waters and Mobula tarapacana in La Réunion waters; identified seasonal peaks from late austral spring to early summer.
Conclusions:
- The Mascarene Archipelago supports multiple mobulid species and is utilized for ecologically important activities, forming part of a broader habitat network.
- Citizen science is valuable for identifying mobulid presence in data-poor regions like the Mascarene Archipelago.
- This baseline data is crucial for targeted monitoring and conservation efforts for mobulids, especially given their CITES Appendix I listing and fisheries interactions.
Keywords:
Mascarene plateauWestern Indian Oceancitizen scienceelasmobranchsseasonal aggregationspecies distributionMore Related Videos
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