New Record of The Porcupine Whipray, Urogymnus Asperrimus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Dasyatidae) in Layang Layang Island, Malaysia.
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THE SARAWAK MUSEUM JOURNAL |
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Title :
New Record of The Porcupine Whipray, Urogymnus Asperrimus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Dasyatidae) in Layang Layang Island, Malaysia. |
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Author :
Nurridan Abdul Han, Daud Awang and Saiful Bahari Mohd Yusoff |
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Abstract:
The Porcupine Whipray (Urogymnus asperrimus), an elasmobranch classified as Endangered on The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN), is highly vulnerable to population decline due to its slow reproductive rate and susceptibility to overexploitation. It is easily recognized by the dense covering of large, spiny thorns across its dorsal surface, and although previously observed in Malaysia, it was recorded for the first time at Layang-Layang Island. This study aims to document and validate the occurrence of this species in the remote oceanic atoll, a recognized marine biodiversity hotspot within the Spratly Islands. A single specimen was observed in situ during SCUBA-based visual surveys conducted in April 2025 within the Coral Garden area, characterized by sandy substrates adjacent to coral reefs. Species identification was confirmed through key morphological traits and supported by photographic evidence. This record represents a significant extension of the known distribution range of U. asperrimus and highlights the ecological importance of Layang-Layang Island as a potential refuge for threatened marine fauna. The findings emphasize the urgent need for continued biodiversity assessments, long-term species monitoring, and targeted conservation strategies, particularly in remote and understudied marine habitats. This new record also enriches the national biodiversity inventory and provides valuable data for regional elasmobranch conservation planning.
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| DOI: XXXX |
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How to cite:
Han, N. A. et al. (2025). New Record of The Porcupine Whipray, Urogymnus Asperrimus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) (Dasyatidae) in Layang Layang Island, Malaysia. The Sarawak Museum Journal, 89 (110): 93-102 |
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