Mariana de Jesus Arguero Tejeda
Mobula munkiana forms aggregations of more than a thousand individuals in the southwestern Gulf of California, Mexico. It is estimated that these aggregations are for breeding purposes; however, little is known about their behaviour within these aggregations and the energy benefits they could obtain.
Aggregation of Mobula munkiana y the Gulf of California © Mariana Arguero.
This project aims to analyse the behaviour of individuals in aggregations and evaluate the impact of these aggregations on energy savings and the influence of group size on this process. This information is crucial because, according to the IUCN, the population of Mobula munkiana is decreasing. This implies that groups will become smaller and smaller, which could affect energy expenditure and ultimately the survival of individuals. On the other hand, tourism with Mobula munkiana is increasing in Mexico, so the results of this study will help to create optimal management for the protection of this vulnerable species. This project also aims to create and participate in outreach events to make people aware of the relevance of these aggregations and the importance of respecting them during tourist activities.