[kellyhound]

AUS. Sea World has welcomed three Eagle Ray pups after mum Scarlett gave birth during a routine pregnancy ultrasound.

Two females and a male were born safely, with the team on hand to make sure everything went smoothly.

Scientists previously categorized many eagle rays under a single species, but recent genetic research has split them into distinct types, most of which face serious threats of extinction.

The Ocellated Eagle Ray (Aetobatus ocellatus) and can be found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific. This species is officially listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its population has plummeted by an estimated 50% to 79% over the last few decades.

The Whitespotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari) and is inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean and this species has also been uplisted to Endangered. It has suffered catastrophic population declines, largely disappearing from parts of its historical range like West Africa.

The Ornate Eagle Ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio) and often called the unicorn of the sea, and is incredibly rare. This heavily patterned ray is globally listed as Endangered. It is exceptionally rare to spot in the wild, with fewer than 100 documented sightings worldwide.

Eagle rays are K-selected species, meaning they grow very slowly, mature late in life, and give birth to only a few pups at a time. This makes it incredibly difficult for populations to recover when they shrink.

They are frequently caught accidentally in commercial drift nets, trawlers, and longlines designed for other fish. In some regions, they are also targeted directly for their meat and cartilage.

Climate change and pollution are degrading the coastal coral reefs, seagrass beds, and shallow bays that these animals rely on for feeding and nursery grounds.

The species in the video is the Ocellated eagle ray.