Geographic distribution and conservation status of sawfish <em>Pristis spp<em> (Pristiformes: Pristidae) in the southern Caribbean Sea

Abstract

The former presence of sawfishes (Pristis spp) is confirmed for the southern Caribbean Sea from the coasts of Colombia and Venezuela, based on review of eleven rostral saws exhibited in businesses, museums and private collections, as well as bibliographic references, photographs and surveys to detect sightings or captures in both countries. We determined that Pristis pristis and Pristis pectinata were present in the southern Caribbean coasts of Colombia and Venezuela, but that they are now probably locally extinct.

Keywords

• <em>Pristis pristis<em>
• <em>Pristis pectinata<em>
• Sawfish
• Threatened species
• Colombia
• Venezuela