Niger Stingray (Fontitrygon garouaensis)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 242536351

Saving the last remaining populations of the critically endangered Niger stingray (genus Fontitrygon) in Nigeria through research and actions

The Niger stingray, or smooth freshwater stingray (Fontitrygon garouaensis), is one of the only two African freshwater stingrays. In Africa, this species is endemic to West African river systems, primarily in Nigeria and Cameroon, with its distribution is confined to three major river systems, two of which are located in Nigeria. Within Nigeria (our study area), the Niger stingray inhabits the Niger-Benue and Cross River systems, where it occupies a very limited, fragmented and highly threatened distribution range. Currently, the species faces a significant threat of extinction due to various human activities impacting its long-term survival and persistence. There is therefore an urgent need to save the last remaining populations of Niger stingray through detailed research for informed conservation planning as well as take bold transformative steps for species protection to half the species' local extinction. The objectives of this project are:

1. To use social science surveys (questionnaires and interviews with locals across 20 major fishing communities in Niger-Benue and Cross River systems in Nigeria) to document historical distribution patterns and threats to Niger Stingray. With this, we will select at least (a) 100 localities for comprehensive field surveys and (b) five fishing communities with high human activites for conservation awareness. 

2. To determine exact distribution range of Niger Stingray in Nigeria using highly efficient and non-invasive eDNA metabarcoding tools involving water samples collected from at least 100 localities selected from objective (1) above.

3. To use socio-behavioral survey (involving questionnaires and interviews with relevant stakeholders - government agencies in charge of aquatic biodiversity conservation, local conservation NGOs, fishing community leaders, local fishermen, youth leaders, market women) to document potential conservation actions for Niger Stingray in Nigeria.

4. To incorporate our results from objectives 1-3 above to develop first-ever species-specific action plans for Niger Stingray in Nigeria through stakeholder's meetings, and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure its adoption for protecting Niger Stingray.

5. To conduct a well-tailored species-specific conservation awareness in five major fishing communities selected from objective (1) on conservation needs of the Niger Stingray.