Description
“From patterns to parents: Uncovering the lives of Knysna’s blue stingrays” By Dr Chantel Elston and Jessica Morrison
Blue stingrays appear in the Knysna Estuary every year, forming a mysterious seasonal gathering that has puzzled local residents and scientists. Are they feeding, resting – or something more? Building on initial research, this project has expanded and now uses tracking, visual observations, and photo-identification to unravel more of the mystery. In this talk, Dr Chantel Elston and Jessica Morrison will share the first documented mating observation in this species, evidence that this gathering plays several roles in the stingrays’ journey from mating to giving birth. Secondly, they’ll show how the unique marbled patterning on each ray allows for individuals to be recognised, so that their return visits can be documented over time. These discoveries are helping uncover the hidden lives of these graceful animals and the crucial role the Knysna Estuary plays in their survival.
