Status of the largetooth sawfish in Ecuador and Peru, and use of rostral teeth in cockfighting

Abstract

Sawfish conservation is a critical concern, yet insufficient baseline data on their presence and status has hindered conservation efforts at national and regional levels. Between 2015 and 2017, interviews were conducted in fishing communities in Ecuador and Peru to assess the historical and current status of largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis. Interviews with cockfighting practitioners in Peru aimed to gauge the use and demand for cockfighting spurs made from sawfish rostral teeth. Our study confirmed the presence of largetooth sawfish in the waters of both countries. Importantly, some fishermen are aware of the value of rostral teeth, which may influence their decisions not to release sawfish alive. Of the interviewees (n = 188), a majority (88%) reported a perceived decline in sawfish abundance during their lifetimes. In this region, as in other sawfish habitats, bycatch and habitat loss pose significant threats. To address these challenges, potential actions include strategic conservation planning, reinforced national and international trade regulations, education campaigns targeting the cockfighting community, public outreach initiatives, and the live release of sawfish specimens. These efforts can enhance the conservation status of largetooth sawfish, particularly in a region isolated from other persisting populations that potentially harbours vital genetic diversity. Furthermore, safeguarding sawfish contributes to the implementation of national instruments like the National Action Plans for Sharks in both countries. Neglecting these threats could perpetuate sawfish capture and mortality in a region where local populations are already severely depleted, elevating the risk of regional extinction. Prioritizing sawfish conservation is imperative to prevent further decline and preserve their ecological importance.