The Mantas of Maamunagau, Maldives - Manta Ray Reproduction

The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme team based in Raa Atoll, Maldives, are back to tell you all about their exciting manta ray reproduction research.
An adult female manta ray will give birth to only one pup once every 2-7 years, with a gestation period of just over 1 year. In later trimesters, her pregnancy can often be seen visually, noticeable by her rounded back.
Our teams use a specially designed contactless ultrasound, to investigate the reproductive organs of manta rays and the pups inside. It uses saltwater as the transmission medium, to make sure the research is non-invasive.
Look out for our next video all about manta babies! Do you have any questions for the team? Please let us know in the comments below!
Footage by Jasmine Corbett and Simon Hilbourne.
#MantaTrust #MantaRay #RaaAtoll #Maldives #Manta #Conservation #Research #Conservation #Environment #Mpa #MarineProtectedArea

[@aldebaranredstar]

Please save them from extinction. 😢