CHONBURI, Thailand – A female giant freshwater stingray measuring approximately 4.3 meters from nose to tail was found dead near Tha Ruea Phli fishing pier in Chonburi on November 5. Officials from the Chonburi Fisheries Office and Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 inspected the carcass after receiving a report through the 1362 marine and forest protection hotline.
The stingray, identified as a giant freshwater whipray (Himantura chaophraya), had a body width of approximately 2.3 meters. Officials said the carcass was still fresh when they examined it.
Chonburi Municipality and Samet Subdistrict Municipality were contacted to assist with moving and properly burying the remains at the Marine and Coastal Resources Office 2 facility.
Officials also used the visit to raise public awareness about the importance of marine and coastal resources. Residents were asked to report rare marine animals, stranded wildlife or other incidents to hotline 1362 so authorities can respond promptly.
According to information from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, the giant freshwater whipray is highly sensitive to toxic substances and changes in its habitat. Ammonia and nitrite pollution can threaten its survival. The species has been classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2000.
