Overfishing And Climate Change Elevate Extinction Risk Of Endemic Sharks And Rays In The Southwest Indian Ocean Hotspot
PLOS One
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Abstract: This study assesses the extinction risk of 70 shark and ray species endemic to the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO+), spanning Namibia to Kenya. It reveals that nearly 19% are threatened, with overfishing as the primary driver and climate change emerging as a compounding factor through habitat loss and distributional shifts. The Red List Index shows a decline in species status since 1980, with South Africa, Mozambique, and Madagascar bearing the highest conservation responsibility. The paper calls for urgent protection of critically endangered and endangered species, improved fisheries management, and expanded monitoring. It highlights the need for regional collaboration and data-driven conservation strategies to prevent further biodiversity loss.