CR

Java Stingaree

Urolophus javanicus

Unknown

Overview

The Java stingaree is an extinct species of stingray in the family Urolophidae, known only from a single female specimen 33 cm (13 in) long caught off Jakarta, Indonesia. This species is characterized by an oval-shaped pectoral fin disc longer than wide, and a tail with a dorsal fin in front of the stinging spine and a caudal fin. It is brown above, with darker and lighter spots.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed the Java stingaree as Extinct; it has not been recorded since its discovery over 150 years ago, and its range is subject to heavy fishing pressure and habitat degradation.

The Java Stingaree faces severe threats primarily from intensive fishing pressure and habitat degradation in its limited range around Java and southern Indonesia. Bottom trawling and other fishing activities directly impact this benthic species, while coastal development and pollution degrade its shallow marine habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Java stingaree has only been found in the Java Sea, perhaps in the vicinity of Jakarta. Its exact range, and depth and habitat preferences, are unknown but probably very restricted.

MARINE· major

Threatened in Indonesia

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
CR

Macrobrachium purpureamanus

Unknown
CR

Parakysis notialis

Unknown
VU

Dichapetalum sordidum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Java Stingaree classified as Critically Endangered?
Java Stingaree is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Java Stingaree faces severe threats primarily from intensive fishing pressure and habitat degradation in its limited range around Java and southern Indonesia. Bottom trawling and other fishing activities directly impact this benthic species, while coastal development and pollution degrade its shallow marine habitats.
Where does Java Stingaree live?
Java Stingaree occurs in Indonesia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Java Stingaree?
The main threats to Java Stingaree are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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