4-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) An extraordinary image of a motorcyclist carrying a stingray on his back has become a viral sensation, capturing the attention of netizens worldwide. Despite the uncanny resemblance to the fictional heroes, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, this unusual sight is not a movie promotion but a real-life encounter.
The photograph, which was uploaded on July 25, 2023, shows a motorcyclist confidently navigating the streets with a 25kg stingray securely strapped to his back. The incident took place at the intersection of Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1, according to a report by Berita Harian, a Malay-language daily.
In an interview with Berita Harian, the 36-year-old man revealed that he had caught the stingray, along with two other broad cowtail rays weighing 19kg and 61kg, on the morning of July 22. The captured rays were then shared among the man, his friends, family members, and neighbors, who prepared them in various dishes.
While the image may evoke amusement and comparisons to cartoon characters, wildlife enthusiasts and conservation organizations have raised concerns about the endangered status of certain ray species in Singapore. The photographed stingray is likely to be either the critically endangered broad cowtail ray (Pastinachus ater) or the cowtail ray (Pastinachus sephen), according to a spokesperson from Marine Stewards, a conservation non-profit organization.
The broad cowtail ray is classified as critically endangered in the Singapore Red Data Book and vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. The cowtail ray is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and is not included in the Red Data Book. These classifications indicate a high risk of extinction for the broad cowtail ray and a significant conservation concern for the cowtail ray.
Conservationists emphasize the importance of responsible angling practices, urging anglers to release stingrays instead of capturing them. Stingrays have low birth rates and are particularly susceptible to fishing pressure, making their conservation a crucial aspect of marine biodiversity preservation.
Efforts to raise awareness and protect endangered marine species have gained momentum in recent years. In 2021, a video clip depicting the mistreatment of an endangered eagle ray at East Coast Park went viral, sparking public outrage and highlighting the need for stricter conservation measures.
The viral image of the motorcyclist with a stingray on his back serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of Singapore’s rich marine ecosystem. As discussions surrounding wildlife conservation continue, authorities and conservation organizations are working together to ensure the sustainable coexistence of humans and marine life.
The Straits Times has reached out to the National Parks Board (NParks) for further information on the incident. By shedding light on this unusual encounter, it is hoped that the public will gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting endangered species and preserving Singapore’s natural heritage.
