Insights into the dietary composition and conservation challenges of the Chilean eagle ray (Myliobatis chilensis) in the port of Chancay, Lima

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21142/SS-0602-2025-e127

Keywords:

trophic ecology, benthic predators, artisanal fisheries, conservation planning

Abstract

The Chilean eagle ray (Myliobatis chilensis) is a vulnerable batoid mesopredator frequently caught as bycatch in Peruvian artisanal fisheries. Despite sustained landings at ports such as Chancay, the species remains unmanaged and poorly studied from an ecological perspective. In this study, we analyzed the stomach contents from twenty-four specimens landed at the port of Chancay during the winter of 2021, in order to establish baseline data on the local trophic ecology. Ten prey taxa were identified, with the red squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon) dominating all dietary indices (%PW = 89.35; %PSIRI = 63.59), indicating a marked benthic foraging pattern. Polychaetes and teleost eggs constituted relevant secondary prey. Although statistical comparisons were not conducted, due to seasonal sampling limitations, the consistent predominance of P. monodon suggests dietary stability under current fishing pressure. These results indicate a benthic dietary pattern under current conditions in Chancay, which may reflect localized prey availability, raising key concerns regarding habitat sensitivity. In a context of increasing fishing intensity and coastal development, dietary studies provide critical early signs of local ecosystem stress and constitute a practical basis for designing targeted conservation measures.

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Published

2025-07-31