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Manta Photo ID

Manta Rays are the biggest rays in the world. Recently the genus Manta, that was historically considered monotypic, was clearly divided into two different species, Manta birostris and Manta alfredi . In Zavora M. alfredi is the most abundant, however both species can be seen all year around. Despite of this, little is known about the population.
Manta rays have a unique spot pattern on their belly and between their gills, which make it possible to identify individuals. We use photo-identification, a non-invasive technique, to produce valuable information about these fabulous animals. 

To facilitate the identification of individual mantas, our lab. in collaboration with the oceanographer Carlos E. J. de A. Tibirica developed a new software that consider the number and location of the spots to identify individuals manta rays.

Our research aims to raise knowledge about Zavora’s manta population and assist with the conservation of these massive rays. Some of our research questions are:

·         What is the structure of the manta rays population?

·         To what extend do manta rays in Zavora belong to the same population of manta rays in other southern Mozambique areas  (e.g. Tofo and Guinjata)?

·         What is the abundance of manta rays over the years and what variables might affect such abundance?