The Mediterranean is a hotspot of extinction risk for chondrichthyans (sharks, skates, rays and chimaeras), making it a priority region for conservation action. Of the 73 species of Mediterranean chondrichthyans assessed by IUCN, 50% of rays and 54% of sharks face an elevated risk of extinction.

Some of the threatened species in the region include:

Spiny Butterfly Ray (Gymnura altavela)

A large coastal ray with a conservative life history, the Spiny Butterfly Ray is vulnerable to fishing pressure. Abundance has declined significantly over the past 33 years.

 

Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular)

A mobulid with largescale movements and a conservative life history, the Giant Devil Ray is vulnerable to fishing pressure. Populations have declined significantly over the past 38 years.

Download our Giant Devil Ray ID guide

Read our Creature Feature