Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagic
countries in the world, and it is home to many incredible marine wonders. One
of these wonders is the existence of stingrays under the sea, which is truly
amazing. Stingrays are not only fascinating for their unique appearance, but
also because they play an important role in Indonesia's marine ecosystem.
However, did you know that the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared the Javan stingray, a
species of small stingray related to the stingray, extinct?
Launching from JawaPos.com on Friday 15/12/23,
from the official website of Charles Darwin University or (CDU) revealed that
the stingray species is very rare. And only recorded once in the late 1800s has
now been declared extinct, after research by the International Team led by
Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The disappearance of the Javan stingray, a
small relative of the stingray, is the first marine fish extinction caused by
human activities or actions.
Here are some explanations to know about
stingrays in Indonesia:
Variety of Species
In Indonesia, there are various species of
stingrays that make up one of its homes. One of the most famous is the Manta
Ray. This fish is characterized by wings that can expand up to 7 meters. Apart
from this, there are also smaller stingrays. Among them are Flower Rays, Rat
Rays, and Whale Rays. The diversity of species in Indonesia can certainly
create a balanced and diverse marine ecosystem, especially in Indonesian
waters.
Habitat, Distribution and Ecological Role of
Stingrays
Do you know that stingrays can be found in
various waters in Indonesia ranging from shallow to deep ocean waters.
Stingrays often appear by swimming around coral reefs, estuaries, and even in
tidal areas. There are several well-known places to see stingrays in Indonesia,
including Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, and Derawan Island. The diversity
of its habitat certainly shows how flexible stingrays are in adjusting to the
surrounding environment. Meanwhile, stingrays play an important role in
maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Like predators, they help
control the populations of several types of small marine animals, and keep them
from overpopulating, which can damage the ecosystem. Not only that, stingrays
can also contribute greatly to the spread of coral reef seeds and help in the
reproduction process and in the growth of coral ecosystems.
Threats & Conservation Efforts Against
Stingrays
While stingrays have a positive value, they
also face threats that can be quite serious. One of the main threats is illegal
hunting, trafficking of stingrays, and especially to species with vulnerable
populations. These threats are extremely harmful to the sustainability of
stingray populations and disruptive to the marine ecosystem as a whole. The
Indonesian government and marine conservation organizations have certainly been
actively involved in stingray conservation efforts. Such as the enactment of
marine parks and protection regimes in some areas, which greatly help to
protect stingray habitats. In addition, public education on the importance of
preserving and caring for the sustainability of marine resources is also a key
factor in conservation efforts.
Thank you, hope this information can be
useful!
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