These elasmobranchs are critically endangered due to overfishing and climate change.
Loro Parque has recently registered the birth of three guitarfish specimens. This is the first birth of the species at Loro Parque and marks a new milestone for the Animal Embassy in marine species conservation, as these animals are classified as critically endangered in nature.
“We have been working for decades with different shark species at the Loro Parque aquarium, which has allowed us to focus on the key aspects of creating an environment where they can thrive and exhibit their natural behaviors, including reproduction,” says Yeray Martín, curator of the Loro Parque aquarium.
Currently, the young guitarfish are under the strict supervision of the park’s aquarist team and are expected to soon join the training programs alongside their conspecifics.
Guitarfish belong to the order Rajiformes, one of the most endangered groups of marine animals on the planet. In fact, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one third of these animals are critically endangered. They are severely affected by overfishing, often being accidentally trapped in fishing nets. Additionally, they take several years to reach reproductive maturity, which seriously jeopardises their replacement rate.
“They are extremely difficult animals to breed under human care, which gives us an idea of the excellent work carried out by our professionals,” explains Wolfgang Kiessling, President of the Loro Parque Group.
