Local fishermen catch rare endangered gigantic stingray

Four local fishermen at the Sungai Lundu estuary in Sarawak, Malaysia netted a rare catch when a supersized stingray measuring 4 metres wide and weighing 280 kilograms (617lbs) wound up in their net. 

Fisherman Azeri Hipni said he and three other fishermen were expecting to get their usual haul when they set up their net on Thursday morning but were surprised with their catch. 

Though tired after the ordeal, Azeri said he was happy for the unexpected blessing to their livelihood during Ramadan which is a holy month for muslims.

The seasoned fishermen managed to kill the stingray after a half an hour battle with no serious injuries. 

While generally non-aggressive and gentle creatures, a giant stingray can put up a ferocious fight when caught. They are able to drag a boat around for hours or even pull it  underwater due to their weight.

The sharp barb on the base of its tail can easily penetrate human bone and eject poisonous toxins.

Known scientifically as the Urogymnus polylep, it is believed to be the largest freshwater species on Earth. They are known to prowl rivers in Thailand, Cambodia and Borneo though sightings are few due to their elusive nature burying in sandy or muddy river bottoms.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species has classified the Urogymnus polylepis as endangered. 

The viral images on social media showing the fishermen holding a butcher knife and posing while stepping on the slaughtered giant stingray thrusted in hooks has sparked outrage among netizens and animal lovers. One picture showed a man posing for photos by lying down on the creature that filled the size of the whole boat. 

A Facebook user, Ng Fook Meng has called the authorities to do more in protecting endangered species.

“Should have let it go to produce future generations. What an amazing creature to have lost its life. The Fisheries Dept should come up with a reward scheme to encourage fishermen to release such beautiful creatures back to the wild. Reward equivalent to market price should be paid out based on photographic proof of release” he commented