The Largetooth Sawfish, Pristis pristis (Linnaeus, 1758), is not extirpated from Peru: new records from Tumbes

By

Mendoza, Alejandra
Kelez, Shaleyla
Cherres, Wilmer Gonzales
Maguiño, Rossana

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2017-8-4

Original Publication

Check list : journal of species lists and distribution

Volume

13

Series / Issue

Issue: 4

Pages

261--265

Subjects

bycatch , Critically endangered species , northern Peru , Pristidae , Tropical Eastern Pacific

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

[São Paulo, Brazil] Luís Felipe Toledo 2005-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15560/13.4.261

 

Abstract

The Largetooth Sawfish, Pristis pristis, was for a long time considered extirpated from Peru. However, here we report the capture of 2 individuals from the north coast of Peru, indicating that this species is still extant in Peruvian waters. Both individuals were adult-sized and their encounters occurred during the austral summer, which could indicate a seasonal presence in those waters. Gillnets are still a major threat for the species as both specimens were incidentally captured with this gear. Our finding highlights the need for continuous research, awareness, and legal protection of this species.